The Shield Land Stewardship Group welcomes Jeremy Hanks as its 2025 Land Steward Technician, and Monica O’Hara and Ross Sultemeier as summer natural resource interns.
Jeremy Hanks
2025 Land Steward Technician
Jeremy Hanks joins Shield Ranch Barton Creek as its 2025 Land Steward Technician, bringing over a decade of hands-on wildlife and natural resource experience. A native of Sulphur, Louisiana, Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Science in natural resource conservation management from McNeese State University. His background includes two years as a biologist student worker with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and over seven years as a wildlife technician and waterfowl guide.
Jeremy’s wide-ranging experience spans freshwater mussel sampling, deer and waterfowl population surveys, prescribed fire, habitat enhancement, and invasive species management. As a licensed charter captain and co-owner of SWLA Fishing Frontier, he also has extensive knowledge of Gulf Coast fisheries and excels at communicating ecological concepts to diverse audiences. Whether leading a duck hunt, managing habitat restoration, or collecting data for conservation research, Jeremy’s approach is grounded in safety, stewardship, and a deep respect for native ecosystems.
His skills include GIS mapping, species identification, and field sampling across wildlife, inland, and marine environments. Jeremy is eager to expand his knowledge as a biologist, immerse himself in the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country, and continue growing into leadership roles within natural resource conservation management.
Monica O’Hara
Summer 2025 Natural Resource Intern
Monica O’Hara, a native of Tomball, Texas, is a summer natural resource intern for Shield Ranch Barton Creek. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in rangeland management with a minor in agronomy at Texas A&M University. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has been named to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s List every semester.
Monica brings hands-on experience in livestock care, crop production, invasive species control, and wildlife monitoring through her work at Whitehurst Farm, Rancho de las Hijas, and the Texas A&M Ecology and Natural Resources Teaching Area. She has also supported data collection and communications as an intern with West Texas Rangelands.
As a Society for Range Management member, Monica has been awarded first place in plant identification and range management exams. She is CPR certified and chainsaw trained. Monica hopes to one day manage her own regenerative farm and grass-fed cattle operation. In her free time, she enjoys playing intramural soccer and piano.
Ross Sultemeier
Summer 2025 Natural Resource Intern
Ross Sultemeier, a native of Johnson City, Texas, is a natural resource intern for Shield Ranch Barton Creek. He is a senior at Tarleton State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in wildlife sustainability and natural resources with a concentration in wildlife ecology and management. He is also a member of the Tarleton Wildlife Society.
Ross brings experience in both ranching and natural resource management. He operated chainsaws, stump grinders, wood chippers, and mini skid steers for Deadwood Tree Service. His experience also includes serving six years as a detention officer with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and working as a ranch hand at Circle S Ranch in Paint Rock, Texas, where he managed feeders, guided hunts, and supported brush control and fencing projects.
Raised in the heart of the Hill Country, Ross participated in 4-H and FFA, raising livestock and competing in plant identification, livestock judging, and range judging events. He spent much of
his time at his grandfather’s ranch in Blanco County, where his love for the outdoors and Texas ecosystems began.
He is chainsaw trained, GIS-capable, and experienced in invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and native and exotic wildlife management. His long-term goal is to contribute to conservation and land management efforts that protect biodiversity and preserve Texas’ natural heritage.
