Austin Beard has worked as a professional environmental consultant and project ecologist for Atlantic Environmental since 2019. Austin graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with a BS degree in environmental studies.  Austin is an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent (FWC Permit GTA-19-00112), FWC bald eagle observer, and an FWC Crested Caracara observer.  Austin manages the field team at Atlantic Environmental, overseeing listed species assessments, wetland delineations, and submerged aquatic vegetation surveys.  Austin is proficient in GIS and regularly coordinates with the regulatory agencies in which he obtains permits through.