Today we’d like to introduce you to John Macey.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was about 5 years old, I always knew that I wanted to become a wildlife biologist. However, sometimes life has other plans for you. Prior to earning my first degree, I have had a multitude of occupations: heavy equipment operator, insurance agent, and commercial deep sea diver in the Gulf of Mexico. However, my longing to fulfill my childhood dreams never subsided. So at the age of 32, my wife and I went back to school while raising 5 children. I worked full time and went to school full time, and in 2003 I completed my BS in Wildlife Science at SFASU, and in 2005 I completed my MS in Wildlife Science (Thesis on red-cockaded woodpecker) at SFASU. Just a few days after gradating with my MS, I started working for the federal government in Georgia, and since then have moved around with the federal government to different areas. I started my private consulting firm in 2016 and have been busy ever since. I specialize in writing wildlife management and habitat restoration plans, Project oversite for habitat restoration, population monitoring and surveying, endangered species management, assist landowners with 1D1 requirements, and much more. I recently started contracting to AI firms to train AI in Conservation Science and other biology related fields. In 2023 I graduated with my PhD from Texas A&M university in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Science (dissertation on golden-cheeked warbler).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always bumps and bruises along the way. The biggest struggle is reaching the point where you have enough guaranteed income to hire additional help. So I typically contract out any field assistance that I need and do the bulk of the writing and other similar tasks to my self.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am probably the most proud of my wife and I not giving up on our dreams. She always wanted to be a school teacher and myself, a wildlife biologist. We accomplished those dreams, even though we were simultaneously raising 5 children and I was working full time.
So at the age of 32, my wife and I went back to school while raising 5 children. I worked full time and went to school full time, and in 2003 I completed my BS in Wildlife Science at SFASU, and in 2005 I completed my MS in Wildlife Science at SFASU. Just a few days after gradating with my MS, I started working for the federal government in Georgia, and since then have moved around with the federal government to different areas. I started my private consulting job in 2016 and have been busy ever since. I specialize in writing wildlife management and habitat restoration plans, Project oversite for habitat restoration, population monitoring and surveying, endangered species management, assist landowners with 1D1 requirements, and much more. I recently started contracting to AI firms to train AI in Conservation Science and other biology related fields. In 2023 I graduated with my PhD from Texas A&M university in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Science. I also give guest scientific talks to groups and organizations from my research and manuscripts I have published.
I believe what sets me apart from others in my field, Is that I am business smart, and I am big on customer service.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love what I do. I have worked many restoration jobs, I have worked with birds, mammals, game animals, reptiles, amphibians and more. The only limits we have are the limits we impose on ourselves……
Pricing:
- Typically $400 a day for consultation
- Lecture – depends on events
Contact Info:
Image Credits:
John Macey
