Rachel Irvin

Restore Northern Utah landscapes through native and water efficient design and implementation.

Horticulturist - Remkes Environmental - Salt Lake City, UT

(2026-03)

Restore Northern Utah landscapes through native and water efficient design and implementation.

• Install and/or update residential irrigation systems to align with waterwise concepts by modifying prior overhead sprinklers to drip irrigation
• Construct fences, garden boxes, and hardscape structures such as rock walls, terraces, and pathways
• Operate heavy machinery to move material and alter terrain
• Work closely with clients to ensure that project needs are being met and to address any required adjustments
• Utilize knowledge of native plants, insects, and ecology to provide project recommendations
• Distribute native seeds and plants

Research Technician RICP - Utah State University - Salt Lake City, UT

(2022-11 - 2026-03)

Assess data gaps for Utah's rare insects to determine conservation needs, as well as the scope of threats from pesticide application, urban development, climate change, and industrial footprint/hazards.

• Determined state conservation status for 16 rare insects facing potential federal listing by gathering estimates of abundance, population trends, life history traits, associated habitat types, and documentation of current threats
• Collected and organized available data for over 400 species categorized as taxonomically uncertain, ecologically uncertain, or Utah-endemics with limited distribution records
• Lead author on an annual scientific report upholding a conservation agreement for an endemic Tiger Beetle
• Surveyed, gathered ecological data, and produced reports for pre-existing and new field sites
• Led and co-led conservation education through tabling, game creation, and community science events
• Collaborated with non-profit organizations on events such as land restoration through native plantings and education on pollinator habitats

Plant Technician - Foliage - Salt Lake City, UT

(2020-02 - 2022-10)

Installed, managed, and maintained indoor plants for residential and professional clients.

• Daily maintenance of pruning, watering, cleaning, fertilizing, and pest removal
• Sustained engaging relations with clients to provide personalized product placement and tailored plant care
• Redesigned large plant display to maximize light availability and aesthetics
• Coordinated with businesses to adjust schedules due to Covid-19 regulations

Native Bee Assistant - Wild Bee Project - Salt Lake County, UT

(2019-07 - 2021-10)

Collaborated on native bee research projects aimed at educating the public and furthering entomological scientific understandings.

• Surveyed native and honey bee populations in urban farm environments
• Created and managed native bee social media platform
• Organized bee reed habitats and catalogued specimens
• Photographed and analyzed hoverfly larvae to aid in aphid infestation management research
• Collected and organized bumble bee field data for Utah Pollinator Pursuit

Assistant Horticulturist Intern - Conservation Garden Park - West Jordan, UT

(2019-03 - 2019-11)

Stewarded ten acres of botanical garden while representing Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.

• Installed new waterwise exhibit from initial drip line to final mulch covering new plants
• Led k-12 groups on educational garden tours
• Utilized past professional experiences to curate educational curriculum for varying age groups
• Managed crew when head supervisor was unavailable, acting as the team's positive reinforcer and project director

Laboratory Technician - University of Utah Marriott Library

(2011 - 2017)

Core cutter/Geotech - Rio Tinto

(2018 - 2019)

Horticulturist Intern - Wheeler Farm

(2018 - 2018)

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Geology - University of Utah (2017 - 2017)