Ventura County Resource Conservation District is excited to welcome 3 new team members! For more than 70 years, VCRCD has supported both rural and urban communities in conserving, protecting, and restoring natural resources throughout Ventura County. As we continue to grow, these new additions strengthen our capacity to expand the work we care deeply about and better serve our communities and local landscapes. The new hires will be working primarily on our Agriculture Team. Meet the new hires below!
Sophia Avalos
Riley Black
Madeline Steiner
Sophia Avalos
Sophia holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a concentration in Soils from Cal Poly Humboldt. Over the past several years, Sophia worked in agricultural research trials with Driscoll’s, supporting entomology and applied research projects focused on IPM, pollination, & crop optimization. Sophia is passionate about the environment, native plants, sustainable agriculture, and helping her community. Outside of work, Sophia enjoys crafting, gardening, hiking, playing guitar, and road-tripping with her partner and cat.
Riley Black
Riley holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara where he specialized in water resource management and conservation planning. Prior to starting with VCRCD, Riley worked on an organic farm for four years as well as worked as an environmental scientist completing field surveys, conducting water resource analysis, and cultivating native plants for restoration projects. Outside of work Riley is most likely running trails, swimming in a river, or trying to find the next best mountain top view.
Madeline Steiner
Madeline Steiner brings over a decade of experience working in the realm of sustainable agriculture, and is passionate about building resilient, community-centered food systems. She holds a Master’s in Development Practice from Emory University, and a B.S. in International Agricultural Development from the University of California, Davis.
Madeline’s work has focused on supporting farmers through capacity building, program management, and hands-on agricultural training. Her experience includes serving as an Agroecological Food Security Advisor with the Peace Corps in Madagascar, working with the USAID Caribbean Basin Farmer-to-Farmer Program, USAID Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition Program in Bangladesh, and an organic farm in Ojai, CA. Outside of work, Madeline enjoys gardening, crafting, experimenting with new ingredients in the kitchen, hiking, and exploring new places.
