Shannon Noelle Rivera
Environmental Consultant · Researcher
Shannon provides professional consulting services focused on technical expertise, communications and marketing, public speaking, facilitation, and project management for global conservation projects.
Services are conducted through Shannoelle, Inc. a registered US-based entity.
To discuss opportunities, potential projects, and availability, please visit the contact page.
To discuss opportunities, potential projects, and availability, please visit the contact page.
US Fish and Wildlife Service; Division of International Conservation
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Remote | Washington DC Headquarters
2021-Present | Currently serving as a technical expert with USFWS International Affairs' species program creating a project dataset of global conservation areas and wildlife strongholds that have received USFWS funding. Contracted to create an authoritative and comprehensive funding history for areas of programmatic importance. This contributes to new agency monitoring procedures to inform program strategy and decision-making, by advancing USFWS responsibilities under and aligning program practices with the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 and the 2018 Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. Learn more about USFWS International Affairs Division. |
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Wildlife Crime & Trade
2019 Y4WC Delegation, CITES CoP18
Youth for Wildlife Conservation 501(c)3
Geneva, Switzerland 2019 | Participated in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora Conference of Parties (CoP18) in Geneva, Switzerland 16Aug-25Aug 2019. Extensive experience interpreting CITES and other international treaties related to wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation. 
Society for Conservation Biology, University of Winchester
Southeast Asia 2018 | Qualitatively analyzed disposal methods of live animal confiscations in Southeast Asia. One of ten global recipients for the annual SCB Graduate Student research fellowship award. Learn more about the research project here. 
Mostly Monkeys 501c3
Ramona, CA 2012-2013 | Past volunteer for Mostly Monkeys sanctuary. This sanctuary provides high quality, long term care for a variety of exotic animals species including New and Old World monkeys, North American carnivores, and a variety of reptiles and birds. Part of the sanctuary's goals is to promote public awareness of animal welfare and wildlife trafficking. FOrestry
Related Certifications and Training
2019 Arborist Training Certificate of Completion, International Society of Arboriculture 2019 Pacific Island Forestry Professional (PIFC) Certification, USDA Forest Service 2018 Tools for Engaging Landowners Training Series, Yale School of Forestry 
US Forest Service;
Los Angeles Urban Research Center Remote, Los Angeles CA 2020-Present | Contracted as a marketing and communications consultant to develop outreach strategies and online publications for the Los Angeles Center for Urban Natural Resources Sustainability, also known as the Los Angeles Urban Research Center. The Los Angeles Center for Urban Natural Resources Sustainability operates through a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region and Research Station, and the City of Los Angeles. 
Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program; DLNR; Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Hawaiʻi, statewide 2016-2021 | Delivered the state of Hawaii’s urban and community forestry program’s strategic plan in collaboration with Federal, State, City, and community partners providing expertise in program management, communications, data collection & visualization, environmental research, partnership coordination, policy review, grant program management, and graphic design. 
Smart Trees Pacific 501(c)3
Honolulu HI; Pacific Region 2016-2022 | Contracted as a project consultant focused on improving the health and viability of trees in Hawai‘i communities and throughout the Pacific region. Responsible for partnership development, training expertise, project management, and communications & marketing. 
Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG)
2019-2021 | Served as a training and program development specialist creating a tailored training program for a citizen science project focused on inventorying and assessing urban trees. Science Communications
Related Training
2019 Public Relations Training, IKAIKA Communications 2018 Tools for Engaging Landowners Training Series, Yale School of Forestry 2017 Science Communications Science-telling Training, National Geographic Web and Visual Design Competencies: Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Canva, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Sketch, InDesign) 
Contracted Speaker and Wildlife Lecturer,
Various Locations 2019-Present | Contracted as an onboard biologist with international cruise lines producing lecture materials and conducting oral presentations, television broadcasts, and informal workshops. Contracts carried out in Hawaiʻi, California, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Chile. Contracts past March 2020, postponed due to COVID-19. 
Other Speaking Engagements
2021 Virtual - Presenter, IUCN World Conservation Congress, Green Status of Species Session 2021 Virtual - Panelist, WCISA Annual Arboriculture Conference, Adapting to COVID19 Symposium 2020 Virtual - Presenter, 27th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Urban Tree Species Identification 2019 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Presenter, SCB’s 29th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Disposal of Confiscated Live Animals in Southeast Asia 2019 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Presenter, 26th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Urban ʻĀina Symposium 2019 Mexico, Hawaiʻi, California - Lecturer, Wild Hawaiʻi Lecture Series Onboard Carnival Cruise Lines 2019 Colombo, Sri Lanka - 2019 Global Dialogue on Wildlife Trafficking International Symposium (Abstract Only) 2017 Cartagena, Colombia - Presenter, SCB’s 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Barriers to Assisted Colonization 2017 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Invited Presenter, 24th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Barriers to Assisted Colonization 2016 Montpellier, France - Invited Presenter, 5th International Ecosummit Congress 2016, Endangered Species Management & Conservation 2016 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Undergraduate Presenter, CTAHR Student Research Symposium, Endangered Species Management & Conservation 2016 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - First Place Presenter, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa UROP Undergraduate Showcase, Barriers to Assisted Colonization 
Interested in hosting the WildPlanet Lecture Series? Get in Touch. Gender
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2016 Bachelors Degree in Gender and Conflict Resolution from the University of Hawaii 2016 Gender & Social Justice Certification, CSS-IUCN 
United Nations, Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Research and Analysis Branch, Wildlife Crime Research Unit
2021 | Drafted a methodology for integrating gender sensitive strategies into wildlife crime research for UNODC consultants/employees. Drafted typology and various crime scripts for women's role in wildlife crime. 
International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Global Gender Office
Honolulu, HI; Washington DC 2016 | Evaluated gender responsiveness and existing gender sensitive strategies of international conservation programs focused on wildlife trade issues and community-based conservation management. 
Oʻahu’s Women’s Community Correctional Center, Smart Trees Pacific
Kailua, HI 2018-2020 | Developed gender sensitive strategies and professional development goals for a 6-month educational training series and environmental vocational program at Oʻahu’s Women’s Community Correctional Center. Kariega Game Reserve, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3 Eastern Cape, South Africa 2021 | Worked with Kariega's all female ranger unit, the Matriarchs, to organize a nature-based educational program at three schools in Asohx villages in Eastern Cape with the objectives of increasing awareness of elephant conservation and promoting women empowerment. International Conservation
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2021 Wildlife Detection Dog Training, Conservation Dogs Hawaiʻi 2018 Waterbird Banding Training, US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2018 Red List Assessor Certification, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Sustainability Certification, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach & IUCN 2016 Peace Studies Certification, The Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution 2017 USFWS Conservation Career Symposium, US Fish & Wildlife Service 2013 Fundraising and Non-Profit Development, University of California, San Diego 2011 Spanish Language Immersion Program, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Kariega Game Reserve, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3
Eastern Cape, South Africa 2021 | Conducted behavioral studies using the 'One Welfare' approach while employing species identification for Kariega Reserve's African savanna elephant population. Investigated ethical considerations for a community based conservation program. Assisted Kariega Veterinary Team in rhino translocation. 
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Ecology Lab, UH Manoa, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Hawaiʻi 2016-2017| First student researcher of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Ecology Lab under the direction of Dr. Melissa R. Price. Conducted research qualitatively examining the perceived and existing barriers to the use of Assisted Colonization for climate sensitive species. Read more on this research here. 
La Isla de los Monos 501(c)3
Iquitos, Peru 2013 | Employed standard animal husbandry techniques to care for six species of primates confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade at a volunteer capacity. Marine
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2016 Operation of underwater Depth Proportion Vehicle Training 2016 Trained in free diving, open water rescue procedures, and tactical skills related to working on a small crew catamaran. 2016 Registered Protected Species Observer (Marine Mammals) Certification, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) 
Ocean Legends Dive Center
Honolulu, HI 2014-2016 | Developed and implemented a sustainability program focused on responsible tourism practices and conservation while facilitating collaborative partnerships with research-based institutions. 
Ocean Discovery Institute 501(c)3
San Diego, CA 2010-2012 | Assisted classroom instructors in providing hands-on scientific lessons, field experiences and community service projects to under-served elementary and middle school students in San Diego Unified School District. The educational non-profit uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities to transform their lives, their community, and our world as scientific and conservation leaders. Facilitation
2021 Facilitator and Organizer, "One Welfare Approaches to Elephant Conservation" World Cafe Event, Eastern Cape South Africa, BTEH
2020 Judge, Young Champions of the Earth Contest UN Environmental Programme / CoalitionWILD 2017 Facilitator and Organizer. Citizen Forester Training and Certification, Kaulunani UCF Program 2017 Facilitator and Organizer, ‘Learning at Lunch’ forestry lecture series, Kaulunani UCF Program 2017 Facilitator, Next Gen Kaʻikaʻi Iwikuamoʻo Workshop, Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference 2016 Facilitator and Organizer, Assisted Colonization Workshop, US Fish & Wildlife Service |
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Board of Director / Committee Roles
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Society for Conservation Biology
2017 SCBO Board of Directors
Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (SCBO) | Member of the Board of Directors, 2017-Present
www.SCBOceania.org Currently serving as a member of SCBO Board supporting conservation work in Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. 
2019 HISCB General Business Meeting, Waiwai Collective
Society for Conservation Biology, Hawaiʻi Chapter (HISCB), CoFounder & Board Member, 2016-Present
Co-Founder and first president for the statewide Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology. Learn more and join the chapter here: www.HISCB.org Project: Conservation
Project: Conservation 501(c)3, Board Member 2015-Present Board member for nonprofit organization supporting global conservation through visual storytelling and digital campaigns. Learn more and get involved at www.ProjectConservation.org Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation
Nāhululeihiwakuipapa Next Generation Committee 2016-2020
Supported the professional development of the next generation of conservation leaders in Hawaiʻi through the leadership of Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance. 2020 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference Planning Committee 2018-2020 Key member of the 2020 regional conference planning committee. Learn more and get involved at www.HawaiiConservation.org |
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