Brent Sigafus

My professional journey began in 2000 under the mentorship of Dr. Cecil Schwalbe (USGS retired) at the University of Arizona, where I served as a Senior Research Scientist focused on Chiricahua Leopard Frogs and Bullfrogs. In subsequent years, I transitioned from a university employee to a Biologist with the USGS, contributing to the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. My primary research was concentrated on amphibians of the Southwest, with work spanning Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Mexico. Key areas of focus include threatened and endangered species, aquatic invasive organisms, habitat alteration, population dynamics, and drought impacts.

In 2009, I became an instructor within the USGS Firearms Safety Program, instructing Specimen Collection and Defense Against Wild Animals. By 2012, I advanced to Regional Firearms Safety Manager for the Southwest and Northwest-Pacific Islands. In 2015, I took over the role of Collateral Duty Safety Program Coordinator for the Southwest Biological Science Center, while continuing my work on herpetofauna.

The opportunity to transition to a full-time Occupational Safety and Health Specialist was a natural progression when a position became available within the Cooperative Research Units (CRU). Currently, I provide safety support and training to CRUs across the nation, with a strong emphasis on safety instruction. Alongside teaching courses in the Firearms Safety Program, I also instruct Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED, Off-Road Driving, Bear Spray usage, and other safety topics essential for field biologists working in diverse environments.