Nate Doran

Forest Inventory and Analysis - FA1 @ Colorado State Forest Service | Biology, Research Skills

Timnath, Colorado, United States

About

I’m a scientifically trained researcher and documentation-focused professional with experience translating complex field and laboratory procedures into clear, accurate, and repeatable technical content. My background spans neuroscience, forest science, microscopy, and environmental measurement — unified by a consistent thread: creating structured, user-centered documentation that helps people perform complex tasks with confidence. Across roles at the Colorado State Forest Service, Oregon State University, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel, I’ve authored SOPs, field protocols, staining workflows, microscopy procedures, troubleshooting guides, and data-collection instructions used by technicians, researchers, and new team members. I specialize in turning hands-on technical work into concise, actionable instructions that maintain scientific accuracy while remaining accessible to the end user. I’m now applying my research experience, writing skillset, and process-driven mindset to technical writing roles within instrumentation, environmental science, biotechnology, and adjacent scientific fields. My goal is to continue building documentation that enables users to understand their tools, trust their processes, and generate high-quality results.

Experience

  • Forest Inventory and Analysis - FA1 at Colorado State Forest Service
    Apr 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Summary Field technician specializing in environmental measurement, protocol adherence, and technical documentation for federal forest monitoring programs. Contributions: - Authored and updated field SOPs and measurement procedures to ensure consistency across FIA crews. - Documented workflows for soil sampling, plot layout, tree measurement, and equipment handling. - Operated and maintained field instruments including GPS units, clinometers, soil probes, and data-collection devices. - Ensured high-quality data collection by following federal standards, cross-checking entries, and resolving inconsistencies. - Trained new team members on data-collection procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation.

  • Student Researcher at Oregon State University
    Sep 2020 - Aug 2022 · 2 yrs

    Summary Led protocol development and documentation efforts for mycorrhizal visualization and quantification research in native grasses. Contributions: - Developed an improved India ink staining protocol for FRE, DSE, and AM fungal structures; documented procedures for reproducibility. - Designed and wrote microscopy workflows used by lab members for imaging, scoring, and identifying fungal colonization patterns. - Created troubleshooting notes, reagent prep instructions, and image-analysis guidance for new researchers. - Built standardized, Excel-based counting and scoring systems to quantify colonization across multiple grass species. - Generated technical summaries and visuals for lab meetings, internal documentation, and student presentations.

  • Wildland Firefighter at PatRick Environmental
    Jun 2021 - Sep 2021 · 4 mos

    Summary Supported wildfire response operations through field coordination, equipment handling, and adherence to safety protocols. Contributions: - Followed written and verbal SOPs for fireline construction, mop-up operations, and equipment deployment. - Communicated field conditions clearly to leadership teams and assisted with crew coordination. - Maintained fire tools, pumps, hose lays, and safety gear according to operational guidelines.

  • Commercial Fishing Deckhand at St John II
    Jul 2019 - Oct 2019 · 4 mos

    Contributions: - Followed vessel SOPs and safety guidelines during net deployment, catch handling, navigation assistance, and deck operations. - Conducted daily equipment checks and documented maintenance needs for captain review.

  • Irrigation Manager at DD RANCH, L.L.C.
    May 2018 - Jun 2019 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Contributions: - Carried out livestock care, irrigation, feeding schedules, and property maintenance following established operational routines. - Assisted in documenting seasonal workflows for feeding, pasture rotation, and equipment upkeep.