Vernon Taylor
Columbia
Summary
Dynamic fleet management professional with extensive experience at the USDA Forest Service, excelling in program planning and budget oversight. Proven track record in cost analysis and procurement, enhancing operational efficiency. Strong leadership and customer service skills foster team collaboration and drive performance improvements in fleet operations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Region 13 Assistant LE&I Fleet and Equipment Specialist
USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations
Columbia
06.2025 - Current
- As an Assistant National Fleet Manager for the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI) helps manage and oversee the national vehicle fleet used by law enforcement officers and investigators across National Forest System lands.
- Managed the national fleet of law enforcement vehicles, including patrol trucks, SUVs, and specialty vehicles.
- Ensure vehicles meet operational and safety standards for law enforcement operations.
- Coordinate acquisition, disposal, and replacement of vehicles used by LEI personnel.
- Developed and implemented national fleet policies and procedures for LEI programs.
- Ensure fleet operations comply with federal regulations, agency policy, and fleet management standards.
- Monitor vehicle inventory, lifecycle replacement schedules, and utilization.
- Provide technical support and guidance to regional fleet coordinators.
- Serve as a liaison between the national office and regional LEI units.
- Guided regional offices on fleet-related policies and requirements, enhancing compliance and operational consistency.
- Tracked fleet-related expenditures, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring budget adherence.
- Provide cost analysis and recommendations for vehicle procurement and fleet improvements.
- Coordinate vehicle deployment for special operations, emergencies, or national programs.
- Ensure vehicles are properly equipped to support law enforcement patrol and investigative operations.
- Support national initiatives related to public safety, resource protection, and criminal investigations on National Forest lands.
- Analyzed fleet data to evaluate vehicle usage and maintenance trends, informing strategic decisions for operational effectiveness.
- Prepare reports for leadership on fleet performance, costs, and compliance.
- The role supports operational readiness, policy implementation, budgeting, and coordination of fleet resources for law enforcement missions.
- Washington Operations – Columbia, South Carolina
Fleet and Equipment Specialist GS-2150-11
USDA Forest Service Coronado National Forest Supervisors Office
Tucson
09.2021 - 06.2025
- I currently supervise one employee and give oversight to Coronado National Forest Fleet Program.
- Coordinated with RO to manage WCF budget at forest level, overseeing assets valued at over 100 million.
- Provides current information and advice to forest leadership/managers/supervisors on equipment replacement needs based on maintenance costs, age, use, condition, project needs, procedures, and policies related to fleet management.
- Runs monthly reports such as the utilization of fleet and equipment to identify any problems with equipment and provide solutions.
- Coordinates and receives new vehicles.
- Analyzed usage and cost records to identify and recommend improvements for transportation equipment management.
- Collaborated with cardholders to facilitate micro-purchases for fleet operations.
- Assisted in implementing plans to reduce fuel consumption, mileage, and overall vehicle and equipment count.
- Works in MVRRS to register federal vehicles.
- Works with Assist Fleet Manager in collecting data for reports and upward reporting.
- Make recommendations to managers on vehicle and equipment needs.
- Participates in agency fire operations.
- Tucson, Arizona
Staff Assistant (NFS) GS-0301-09
USDA Forest Service National Forest Systems National Headquarters
Washington
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Developed documentation for board members and senior leadership to enhance meeting readiness.
- Coordinated project efforts with team members across the agency.
- Worked with Job Corps to establish a sign program benefiting the agency.
- Coordinated administrative functions, including complex calendar management, ensuring optimal executive availability.
- Managed coordination, catering, agendas, and travel arrangements for meetings and event planning for executives.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Updated executives on changing business needs by thoroughly documenting internal and client meetings.
- Participated with senior leadership on the reduction of fleet nationwide throughout NFS.
- Streamlined ordering process for 'Congress at Your Fingertips' books and proposed 'Congress in Your Pocket' app, providing executives with real-time access to Congress seats.
Recreation Management Specialist GS-0301-09 (Detail)
USDA Forest Service National Forest in Alabama Supervisors Office
Montgomery
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Planned, programmed, and executed work plans and projects for recreation and trails in the Forest.
- Developed and reviewed project proposals and revisions for recreation and trail programs, recommending actionable plans.
- Advised in the assessment of current recreation use, type, and standards, and long-range planning, maintenance, and operation of recreation facilities and trails.
- Monitored recreation and wilderness management activities, recommending strategies to meet goals and reporting on progress.
- Ensured accuracy of INFRA and other databases to effectively monitor recreation, trails, and program activities.
- Assisted Fleet Manager in collecting data for reports and upward reporting.
- Executed small fleet purchases using Wex card to support maintenance operations.
- Montgomery, AL
Special Projects to the Job Corps National Director GS-0301-09 (Detail)
USDA Forest Service Office of Business Operations Headquarters
Washington
02.2020 - 06.2020
- Promoted team productivity by keeping communication fluid between the WO and National Job Corps Office.
- Appointed contact by senior leadership for various contributors and agency partners.
- Contributed to National Job Corps Leadership Team by assisting with high-level, mission-critical assignments.
- Led, influenced, and motivated stakeholders at all levels.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to establish and cultivate positive working relationships across the organization.
- Served in Washington, DC, contributing to national initiatives.
- Rebooted the Pay It Forward Program. This program originally started in 2013. FAM provided a Workforce Diversity grant to expand the program in 2014. In 2020, I and other former job corps graduates helped rejuvenate the program by realigning it with the Job Corps National Office.
- Coordinated signage program leveraging a $100,000 grant from NFS to support national forest sign restoration efforts.
- Helped foster relationships with the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) Director and Deputy Director to connect Job Corps students with the 1890 colleges and other programs available.
Recreation Supervisory Specialist GS-0188-9
USDA Forest Service Timber Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Estacada
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Planned and managed budget of over $40,000 to maintain financial health of recreation department.
- Developed and coordinated recreation activities for student participants to enhance engagement.
- Supervised three staff in recreation program and led shifts over twice weekly to ensure smooth operations.
- Trained staff members in conducting events and following safety procedures.
- Acted as Public Relations Liaison for the unit, facilitating communication between staff and community stakeholders.
- Collaborated closely with the unit's line officer in the planning and engagement of local public engagements.
- Independently executed community engagement plans and contributed outreach for Job Corps and Forest Service.
- Recommended vehicle and equipment needs to the fleet manager based on maintenance costs and condition.
- Estacada, OR
Acting Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-11 (Temp Promotion)
USDA Forest Service Timber Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Estacada
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Supervised 15 + staff consisting of three shifts covering twenty-four hours seven days a week.
- Managed budget of over $100,000 for Residential Living and Recreation Departments, ensuring alignment with fiscal year planning.
- Facilitated training for associates through daily coaching and performance appraisals, enhancing team skills and operational effectiveness.
- Developed new employees and ongoing performance assessments of current employees.
- Adhered to procedures, documentation, and Audit & Business Controls guidelines from client and company to maintain compliance.
- Monitored and processed information for regulatory compliance by collaborating closely with staff.
- Assessed training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, and consultation with managers.
- Delegated tasks to existing support team members and used cloud-based tools to help solve complex business issues.
- Estacada, OR
Support Services Supervisor GS-8 (Safe Paid GS 9)
USDA Forest Service Jacobs Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Bristol
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised four program support staff, motor vehicle operator, purchasing agent, and warehouse personnel to enhance overall team performance.
- Assessed personnel performance and implemented incentives and team-building events to boost morale.
- Developed and maintained an efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching, motivation, and career advancement opportunities.
- Managed inventory of tools, supplies, and fleet equipment.
- Managed driving schedule to optimize fuel consumption, minimize mileage, and streamline vehicle and equipment usage.
- Produced high-quality documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for internal and customer-facing needs using Excel and Microsoft Word.
- Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email, or in person to provide information and direction to desired staff members.
- Bristol, TN
Acting Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-11 (Temp Promotion)
USDA Forest Service Ouachita Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Royal
04.2016 - 09.2016
- Managed $100,000 budget for Residential Living and Recreation Departments to align with fiscal year plans.
- Supervised 17 employees across 3 shifts to ensure continuous coverage 24/7.
- Advised staff on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both staff and students.
- Managed and control over vehicles (buses, trucks, and vans) and equipment (lawn equipment) assigned to residential living.
- Recommended vehicle and equipment needs to fleet manager/center director based on maintenance costs, age, usage, and departmental requirements.
- Followed procedures, documentation, instructions, and Audit & Business Controls guidelines from both client and company.
- Provided direction and accountability for processes defined by SOPs.
- Resolved student retrieval problems by customizing a design to meet requirements.
Assistant Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-09
USDA Forest Service Flatwoods Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Coeburn
05.2012 - 08.2015
- Supervised 14+ employees across three shifts, ensuring continuous coverage and effective team operations.
- Managed a budget of $80,000 across Residential Living and Recreation Departments.
- Managed and controlled vehicles (buses, trucks, and vans) and equipment (lawn equipment) assigned to residential living.
- Recommended vehicle and equipment purchases to residential manager based on analysis of maintenance costs, age, condition, and departmental needs.
- Provided direction to employees on procedures and policies related to fleet management.
- Delegated tasks to support team members and utilized cloud-based tools to address complex business challenges.
- Ensured work aligned with service levels agreed upon and client requirements.
- Coeburn, VA
Education
Advanced Level - Clerical, Business Administration
Great Onyx Job Corps Center
Mammoth Cave, KY05.2000
Skills
- Fleet operations management
- Logistics coordination
- Vehicle procurement
- Fleet maintenance
- Inventory management
- Budget analysis
- Service delivery tracking
- Project management
- Team leadership
References
- Gina Owens, Reginal Forester, USDA Forest Service Eastern Region Office, 626 East Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, 414-997-3600, 503-730-6560, gina.owens@usda.gov
- Crystal Swazy Wallace, Deputy Chief of Staff, USDA Forest Service National Forest Systems WO Office of Deputy Chief, Sidney R. Yates Federal Building, 201 14th St SW, Washington, DC, 20227, 202-205-1689, 202-253-1388, crystal.swazy-wallace@usda.gov
- Brad Ament, Region 3 Fleet Program Manager, USDA Forest Service Southwest Region, 333 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, 602-225-5376, 602-350-5787, bradley.ament@usda.gov
Timeline
Region 13 Assistant LE&I Fleet and Equipment Specialist
USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations
06.2025 - Current
Fleet and Equipment Specialist GS-2150-11
USDA Forest Service Coronado National Forest Supervisors Office
09.2021 - 06.2025
Recreation Management Specialist GS-0301-09 (Detail)
USDA Forest Service National Forest in Alabama Supervisors Office
08.2020 - 11.2020
Special Projects to the Job Corps National Director GS-0301-09 (Detail)
USDA Forest Service Office of Business Operations Headquarters
02.2020 - 06.2020
Staff Assistant (NFS) GS-0301-09
USDA Forest Service National Forest Systems National Headquarters
07.2019 - 09.2021
Acting Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-11 (Temp Promotion)
USDA Forest Service Timber Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
09.2018 - 11.2018
Recreation Supervisory Specialist GS-0188-9
USDA Forest Service Timber Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
01.2017 - 07.2019
Acting Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-11 (Temp Promotion)
USDA Forest Service Ouachita Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
04.2016 - 09.2016
Support Services Supervisor GS-8 (Safe Paid GS 9)
USDA Forest Service Jacobs Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
01.2015 - 01.2017
Assistant Residential Supervisory Manager GS-0186-09
USDA Forest Service Flatwoods Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
05.2012 - 08.2015
Advanced Level - Clerical, Business Administration
Great Onyx Job Corps Center