Nicholas Risner
Mission
To gain experience within the Parks Service and gain the necessary knowledge to progress my professional career to become a Park Ranger.
Experience
Assistant park ranger, Palo Alto open space; palo alto, CA — September 2023-Present
Working as an Assistant Park Ranger for the City of Palo Alto I perform law enforcement, medical aid, and fire suppression in addition to the standard maintenance tasks common to working in Open Space. I commonly work in small groups but have the experience to take on projects individually if it is safe to do so.
OST, Palo Alto open space; palo alto, CA — March 2023-September 2023
As an Open Space Technician at Foothills Open Space Preserve I do a variety of maintenance tasks ranging from weed whipping and chainsaw work, to assisting Park Rangers with tasks within the preserve. I work with the Open Space team throughout the week but am able to work independently when given an assignment by one of my superiors.
Team coach, movement gyms; sunnyvale, ca — winter 2015-present
I coach 3 levels of youth climbing teams with ages from 11 to 17 and skills from beginner to elite competition level athletes. For the beginner level athletes my main focus is to encourage them and share my passion for the sport with them in hopes to create life long climbers. For the elite athletes my job is to train their physical power and strength while also guiding them through various climbing drills to hone their technique.
Route setter, movement gyms; sunnyvale, ca — Fall 2018-Present
I create rock climbs for members and guests to enjoy at gyms around the Bay Area. Most of the time spent working is either up on a ladder or hanging from a rope with the proper safety equipment. I work with impact drivers, grinders, power washers, and other hand tools on a daily basis, almost always working at heights. I am given tasks and instructions from the Head Setter with the expectation of completion in a timely, professional, and safe manner.
instructor, movement gyms; sunnyvale, ca — winter 2015-Spring 2023
I taught climbing classes to people of all skill levels, tailoring the class to their individual needs. I did private instruction but commonly taught classes of around 4 people at a time, focusing on building technique as well as learning the mental aspect of climbing.
Front Desk staff, movement gyms; Sunnyvale, ca — fall 2015-spring 2019
A Front Desk Staff is the first person that guests to the gym interact with so it was priority to set the tone for their experience by being friendly, informative, and efficient. Daily tasks included, signing people up for gym memberships, fitting and selling climbing gear to customers, providing basic climbing instruction and teaching belay lessons, performing general maintenance and cleaning the facility, and conducting closing protocol after the gym had closed for the evening.
Event staff, movement gyms; sunnyvale, ca — summer 2014-fall 2015
Worked with children ages 5 to 17 in summer camps and after school programs, providing basic climbing instruction and leading in team building activities.
Education
Santa Teresa High School — 2014
West Valley College — AS Park Management Spring 2024
Related experience
- Extensive history of working with children of all ages.
- 10 years of customer service experience.
- 6 years of work at height experience.
- 20 years of operating various off-road vehicles.
- Knowledge of vehicle maintenance.
- Can drive manual transmission vehicles.
- West Valley College Wilderness First Responder course.
- West Valley College Introduction to Park Maintenance course.
- West Valley College Wildland Fire Suppression course.
- West Valley College Powersaws course.
- Certified Interpretive Guide through National Association of Interpretation.
- PC832 Laws of Arrest Certification.