Field TechnicianHello there! My name is Andres Martinez. I am a born-and-raised Tucson native who has always appreciated and admired the beauty of the Sky Island region.
I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Natural Resources, with an emphasis in Ecology, Management and Restoration of Rangelands. While studying at the UA, I was able to get some great hands-on field experience that has prepared and further inspired me to pursue my career in natural resource management and conservation. I am currently a seasonal field technician with SIA based out of Tucson. My work consists of the overall ecological management and well-being of riparian areas in the Sky Islands in southeast Arizona. I also help with coordinating volunteer field events at restoration sites. Prior to joining the SIA team, I did work with invasive and rare plants at Saguaro National Park. My work there consisted of using both chemical and mechanical treatments to manage both fountain grass and buffelgrass. I was also fortunate enough to be a part of rare plant surveys in the park’s backcountry. Interning at a native plant nursery along with volunteering as a wildlife-camera monitor were my initial steps into my current early career.
Outside of work I really enjoy exploring satellite imagery on Google Earth, hiking/camping and exploring wild areas, trying out new foods, looking for cool plants, finding marvelous views, and moviegoing. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited most of the Sky Islands in Arizona, but the one that stands out to me is the Pinaleño Mountains due to their uniqueness, solitude, and beauty.
Email: andres@skyislandalliance.org