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The Company. Our core Values. Our People.

20 Years In Business

Earth Tech Environmental, LLC and its trusted sub-contractors have been providing ‘turn-key’ ecological and sustainable solutions for our clients’ environmental needs since 2006.

Comprehensive Services

From day one, ETE has established the ideology of providing our clients with a comprehensive approach to solving their environmental needs. This ideology focuses on simple, effective and economical tools that provide straightforward and concise results. Implementing this approach towards ecosystem restoration has not only saved our clients money, but also results in long-term ecological benefits.

Certified Experience

Earth Tech Environmental, LLC has a staff of trained and licensed personnel that are qualified to perform environmental consulting and ecosystem restoration at any scale. All field supervisors are licensed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as commercial applicators for natural areas, aquatics, right-of-ways, and/or forest pest.

Tech Savvy

Our staff utilizes the latest software and technology, including ArcGIS, drones, and remote cameras.

Do it Right

We believe in doing a job right the first time.  This core belief and action saves our clients time and money.

Local Expertise

We know Southwest Florida – the environment, the people, and the regulations.

OWNERSHIP

Partners

Donn Brown

Founder / Senior Project Manager

Mr. Brown founded Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2006 and has served as an acting partner since its inception. With more than 25 years of experience in the ecosystem restoration industry, he has led and supported restoration initiatives since 2000, working on diverse projects throughout Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Brown holds a double major in Environmental Studies and Environmental History from Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating cum laude. His academic background, combined with decades of field and management experience, has provided him with extensive knowledge of native plant communities, ecosystem processes, and contemporary environmental management and restoration techniques. Throughout his career, Mr. Brown has successfully managed small- to large-scale restoration, mitigation, and land development projects, overseeing all phases of project delivery. His expertise includes project planning and coordination, cost estimating, resource and material allocation, scheduling, procurement, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and the management of contractors and vendor relationships. Mr. Brown is commercially licensed in Collier County as a Landscape – Restricted Contractor and holds multiple state and federal certifications. He is licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for herbicide applications within natural areas, rights-of-way, forest pest control, and aquatic environments. He also obtained a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute, FDEP Florida Green Industries BMP–certified, an FDACS–certified Feral Swine Dealer, and FDEP–certified as a Stormwater Management Inspector.

FDACS Commercial Applicator #CM15838.

Jeremy Sterk, CEP

Partner / Principal Environmental Consultant

Mr. Sterk joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2013. He has been an Environmental Consultant in Southwest Florida since 1994 and has worked on projects throughout Collier, Lee, Hendry, DeSoto, Glades, and Charlotte counties. His varied experience spans marine, upland, and estuarine habitats and includes extensive work with a wide variety of listed species. He currently holds a State of Florida Real Estate License, is a FWC authorized gopher tortoise agent, a FWC authorized burrowing owl Agent, a FWC approved shorebird monitor, a USFWS approved bald eagle monitor, and a Certified Environmental Professional. In addition to authoring dozens of habitat and species management plans, in 2007, Jeremy co-authored the first habitat conservation plan (HCP) in the nation to address incidental take issues for both red-cockaded woodpeckers and Florida panther on the same property. In 1998, he wrote an ecological assessment computer model for the South Florida Water Management District as part of the South Lee County Watershed Study. He has served on various committees appointed by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, including Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, Development Services Advisory Committee (DSAC), and the FWC Local Rule Review Committee (Manatee Protection Speed Zones).

FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent 09-00192, FWC Burrowing Owl Agent RAG-18-00080

ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Operations & Management

Monica McGuinness

Operations Manager

Mrs. McGuinness has a broad range of experience across the landscape industry. Over the past 13 years, she has held key roles with several local companies in Southwest Florida, specializing in management, operations, human resources, and customer service. At Earth Tech Environmental, LLC, she plays an integral role in supporting the company’s internal operations across multiple departments. Her responsibilities include staff coordination, project oversight, and financial management. She is actively involved in the day-to-day functions of the Human Resources and Accounting departments, as well as office administration. In addition, she collaborates closely with all departments to streamline internal workflows and promote cross-functional efficiency. Her background in organizational operations and employee management has proven essential in maintaining structure and consistency across Earth Tech Environmental’s administrative processes, supporting the company’s growth and long-term stability.

Jeanette Brown

Ecosystem Restoration Department Administrator

Jeanette Brown serves as the Ecosystem Restoration Department Administrator, providing administrative and operational support for environmental restoration projects. She assists with project coordination, documentation, scheduling, reporting, and regulatory compliance, ensuring efficient project delivery. Through strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with project managers and field teams, Mrs. Brown plays a key role in supporting the successful implementation of ecosystem restoration at Earth Tech Environmental, LLC.

Dan Dykstra

Equipment Operations Manager

As Earth Tech Environmental, LLC’s on-site mechanic, Mr. Dykstra plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of the company’s fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment used in environmental field operations. After spending many years running a Kubota dealership, Mr. Dykstra comes with expert knowledge in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of machinery such as skid steers, brush mowers, mini excavators, and trucks, he helps keep projects running safely and efficiently. Mr. Dykstra also supports field teams by coordinating preventive maintenance schedules, minimizing downtime, and providing on-site mechanical support during active job operations. His attention to detail and technical skill are vital to sustaining high-performance equipment across diverse and challenging field conditions. Mr. Dykstra is certified in servicing and maintaining industry-leading equipment brands, including Toro and Kubota ensuring expert-level proficiency and reliability in every aspect of equipment care and repair.

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION STAFF

Exotic Removal & Mitigation Activities

Jim Blalock

Senior Project Manager

Mr. Jim Blalock has served with Earth Tech Environmental, LLC since 2011 and currently holds the position of Senior Project Manager. With over three decades of field experience in vegetation management across the state of Florida, Mr. Blalock plays a pivotal role in overseeing complex environmental projects and ensuring operational excellence on-site. In his current role, Mr. Blalock is responsible for comprehensive project management, including day-to-day site coordination, crew leadership, and the execution of environmentally sensitive operations. He supervises large teams of field technicians, directs subcontractor activities, and manages the deployment and operation of heavy equipment for mechanical and bush hog mowing tasks. His work includes leading gopher tortoise excavation projects in accordance with state and federal guidelines, as well as managing all aspects of fence installation and repair across various project sites. Mr. Blalock’s expertise extends to project estimating and logistical planning, ensuring that each project is executed efficiently, within scope, and with a strong emphasis on environmental compliance and safety. His prior role as Project Manager with Forestry Resources Vegetation Management further honed his skills in overseeing large-scale mechanical and manual vegetation removal operations. A dedicated professional since 1994, Mr. Blalock is both OSHA-certified and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) qualified, underscoring his commitment to workplace safety and regulatory adherence. His leadership and deep industry knowledge make him an integral asset to Earth Tech Environmental’s project delivery team.

FDACS Commercial Applicators License #CM22866

Dean Fella

Project Manager

Mr. Fella has been with Earth Tech Environmental, LLC since 2011 and holds the position of Project Manager. As a Project Manager, he specializes in a wide variety of disciplines, including project management, estimating, field staff oversight, exotic species removal, supplemental plantings, vegetation monitoring, and preserve maintenance. At Earth Tech Environmental Mr. Fella has gained experience in managing large crews of up to 10-30 members, trained dozens of field technicians to work effectively and efficiently and furthering their knowledge of invasive and exotic species and the best treatment methods for them, and years of experience in brush mowing and fence installation and repairs. Dean also has experience working with advanced GIS systems, where he creates day-to-day tracking exhibits and project related exhibits.

FDACS License Number – CM22736 – which includes Natural Areas Weed Management, Aquatic Pest Control, Right-of-Way Pest Control, & Forest Pest Control.

Jason Miller

Project Foreman

Mr.Miller joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in early 2014 and currently serves as a Project Foreman. In this role, he is responsible for the supervision and execution of large-scale ecological restoration projects, with a particular focus on coordinating and managing sizable field crews to ensure project goals are met efficiently and in compliance with environmental regulations. Since joining Earth Tech Environmental, Mr. Miller has developed extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of ecological restoration and consulting services. His expertise includes exotic species removal, littoral shelf and native vegetation restoration planting, vegetation and habitat mapping, protected species and wildlife surveys, vegetation monitoring, and the installation and maintenance of monitoring wells. He also plays a key role in conducting water quality monitoring events. Mr. Miller’s ability to oversee and direct large teams of field technicians has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous high-impact projects throughout Florida. He ensures that all team members are properly trained, safety protocols are followed, and work is performed to the highest ecological and operational standards. With over 20 years of combined public and private sector experience, Mr. Miller brings a deep understanding of Florida’s native and exotic wildlife and vegetation, enhancing his ability to lead teams in sensitive and complex environmental fieldwork.

FDACS Commercial Applicator #CM23692

FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent 19-00100

Gayk Mekenyan

Project Foreman

Mr. Mekenyan joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in early 2014 and currently serves as a Project Foreman. He specializes in overseeing some of the company’s most complex ecosystem restoration initiatives, with expertise in species surveys, exotic vegetation removal, supplemental plantings, vegetation monitoring, and long-term preserve maintenance. Over the years, Mr. Mekenyan has broadened his technical skill set to include advanced Trimble GPS operation, turbidity monitoring, gopher tortoise relocation in compliance with regulatory standards, mangrove trimming, and effective field crew leadership. His diverse experience and commitment to environmental stewardship make him an essential contributor to the success of Earth Tech’s restoration projects.

FDACS Commercial Applicator #CM25154

FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent 19-00099

Payton Blalock

Project Foreman

Mr. Blalock has been a valued member of Earth Tech Environmental, LLC since 2011, serving as a Project Foreman. In this leadership role, he brings over a decade of hands-on experience in environmental field operations, with expertise in the operation and oversight of heavy machinery. Mr. Blalock’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of technical and managerial duties, including the skilled use of brush mowers and other mechanized equipment such as skid steers, mini excavators, front end loaders, and more for large-scale vegetation management, exotic and invasive species removal, and site restoration. He has extensive experience in the installation and repair of fencing infrastructure, frequently coordinating the deployment of machinery to optimize productivity and safety in the field. In addition to his equipment-focused capabilities, has successfully trained dozens of field technicians in both the practical and ecological aspects of preserve maintenance, plant identification, and best management practices for invasive species control. His leadership ensures that field operations are conducted with efficiency, precision, and environmental compliance.

FDACS License Number – CM25056

Spencer Blalock

Project Foreman

Mr. Blalock has been a valued member of Earth Tech Environmental, LLC since 2011 and currently serves as a Project Foreman. In this role, he brings extensive expertise across a broad range of environmental services, including exotic species removal, supplemental plantings, vegetation monitoring, and preserve maintenance. He has successfully led and managed field crews ranging from 10 to 40 personnel, ensuring project efficiency and high standards of execution. Mr. Blalock has also played a key role in training dozens of field technicians, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify invasive and exotic plant species and apply the most effective treatment methods. His background includes years of hands-on experience in brush mowing, as well as fence installation and repair, further demonstrating his versatility and leadership in the field.

FDACS License Number – CM22652

Max Mard

Project Foreman

Mr. Mard joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2024 and serves as a Project Foreman with extensive experience in environmental services throughout South Florida, including exotic species removal, vegetation monitoring, supplemental plantings, preserve maintenance, and arboricultural services. He is a certified arborist and is qualified to perform mangrove trimming in accordance with applicable state and local regulations. Mr. Mard leads field crews to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality project execution and plays an active role in training field technicians in plant identification and treatment methods. His background in landscaping, nursery operations, and heavy equipment operation highlights his versatility and technical expertise in the field.

FDACS Commercial Applicator #CM28758

Certified ISA Arborist # FL-372648A

NUSERY STAFF

Plant Propagation, Maintenance, & Installation

Breanna Locke

Nursery Operations Manager

Ms. Locke is a wildlife and environmental management professional with more than ten years of experience in conservation, habitat restoration, and operational leadership. As Nursery Operations Manager at Earth Tech Environmental, she oversees native plant nursery operations that support restoration, mitigation, and land management projects throughout Florida. With a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida, Breanna brings a strong science-based foundation to nursery production, ensuring that plant material aligns with ecological function and project needs. Her background includes protected species management with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and operational leadership in wildlife rehabilitation from her years at CROW, providing Earth Tech with a unique blend of ecological insight, organizational expertise, and collaborative leadership that supports both nursery growth and project success.

CONSULTING STAFF

Environmental Permitting, Monitoring, & Assessments

Andrew McAuley

Senior Environmental Consultant & Consulting Manager

Mr. McAuley joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2017, bringing with him nearly 10 years of experience working as a Hydrogeologist II and Environmental Consultant in New York State. He graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. His extensive background includes Phase I ESA reporting, Phase II and Phase III sampling and oversight, Groundwater/Soil/Indoor Air Quality sampling and reporting. Drew has overseen various projects in New York including several Brownfield sites, a Landfill Gas Extraction System, monitoring well installations, and a variety of mold/lead/asbestos abatement projects.  He fulfills duties in Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, soil sampling, protected species surveys, mangrove monitoring, turbidity sampling, GIS mapping, and environmental resource permitting. Drew is also an FWC Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent.

FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent 19-00093

Jennifer Bobka

Senior Environmental Consultant

Ms. Bobka joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2016 and holds the position of Senior Environmental Consultant. She has more than 10 years of experience in environmental consulting, natural resource conservation and project management. Jennifer graduated from the University of Florida in 2023 with a Master of Science Degree in Forest Resources and Conservation, and from Montana State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies. She also conducted sea turtle research during a study abroad in Costa Rica in 2007 where she studied marine biology and coastal ecology. Jennifer fulfills duties in wetland preserve monitoring, wetland delineations, environmental resource permitting, land cover/habitat mapping, mangrove health assessments, and wildlife surveys. Jennifer has extensive experience leading and conducting a diverse range of protected species surveys from coastal to terrestrial environments in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. She performs bald eagle nesting surveys, crested caracara nesting surveys, red-cockaded woodpecker cavity surveys, Florida bonneted bat cavity and acoustic surveys, manatee monitoring, and shorebird monitoring. Jennifer is also an ESA Certified Ecologist and certified Florida Master Naturalist.

 

Conor Goulding

Senior Environmental Consultant

Mr. Goulding joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2019 and holds the position of Senior Environmental Consultant. Conor graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Conservation in 2014. His duties and responsibilities include GIS mapping, drone operations / aerial photography, FLUCCS mapping, wetland determinations / delineations, protected species surveys, Florida bonneted bat cavity surveys, crested caracara surveys, bald eagle monitoring, gopher tortoise surveys and permitting, native tree surveys, vegetation monitoring, and pre-clearing surveys. His familiarity with southwest Florida ecosystems encompasses estuarine and marine ecosystems, which allows him to do duties including seagrass monitoring, submerged resource surveys, benthic surveys, artificial reef fish monitoring, Goliath grouper surveys, and pre-/post artificial reef deployment surveys.

UAS Remote Pilot Certificate Number 4386571

FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent 22-00058

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Captain’s License

Jessica Miller

GIS Technician \ Environmental Consultant II

Mrs. Miller joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2024 and holds the position of Environmental Consultant II. Jessica graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science with a minor in Geology. Her extensive background working in the environmental field in southwest Florida includes fish and wildlife research and monitoring, water quality/groundwater/soil sampling and reporting, exotic plant and animal removal, water use permitting, and a wide variety of ecological surveys. Her local knowledge of southwest Florida ecosystems were gained from working in many environments including marine, estuarine, coastal, rivers, wetlands, and inland communities. Since joining ETE, Jessica has gained experience in a range of environmental consulting work. This experience includes turbidity monitoring, shorebird monitoring, protected species surveys, wetland delineations, seagrass surveys, benthic surveys, Florida bonneted bat tree cavity surveys, gopher tortoise surveys, FLUCCS mapping, and environmental permitting.

 

Leah Reidenbach

Environmental Consultant II

Ms. Reidenbach joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2024 as an Environmental Consultant II. She holds a Master of Science degree in Biology from California State University, Northridge in 2017 and brings 11 years of experience in marine biology, ecological research, and ecology, with a focus on the effects of climate change, land use change, and coastal eutrophication. As a Florida native and marine biologist by training, her familiarity with Florida’s natural habitats allows her to apply her knowledge across a broad range of ecosystems, including coastal and wetland environments. She is also a certified drone pilot and utilizes her skills to enhance data collection and analysis for environmental projects. Leah has worked extensively with local and regional environmental groups dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida’s coastal resources. Through this work, she actively engaged with Florida’s environmental laws and regulations, particularly those related to land development and conservation. This experience has provided her with a strong foundation for her role at Earth Tech Environmental.

In her role at Earth Tech Environmental, she is responsible for completing listed species surveys, conducting wetland delineations, report writing, and managing environmental permit projects. She is excited to contribute to the company’s mission of providing environmental solutions. Outside of work, Leah enjoys hiking, trail running, cooking, and photography.

 

Rachel Tablada

Environmental Consultant I

Ms. Tablada joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2024 as an Environmental Consultant. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability and the Environment from Florida International University in 2021. Her varied experience spans upland, wetland, and estuarine ecosystems in south and central Florida. Rachel has led exotic vegetation maintenance crews in southwest Florida and also worked on exotic vegetation maintenance teams for AmeriCorps in Florida and the southeast. Since joining ETE, Rachel has gained experience in environmental consulting work. This includes wetland delineations, wetland preserve monitoring, protected species surveys, crested caracara nesting surveys, and GIS mapping.

 

Sean Gray

Environmental Consultant I

Mr. Gray joined Earth Tech Environmental, LLC in 2024 as an Environmental Consultant. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Ecology and Management from Louisiana State University in early 2024.  Since joining ETE, Sean has gained experience in environmental consulting work. This includes wetland delineations, bald eagle monitoring, wetland preserve monitoring, protected species surveys, crested caracara nesting surveys, and GIS mapping.

 

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