Melissa Larsen - Water Resources Engineer/Hydrologist, Self Employed

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Work Background

Lotus Meditation StudioBusiness Owner

Jan. 2024Alcobaça, Leiria, Portugal · HybridAs a yoga and meditation teacher and advocate for holistic living, I integrate the therapeutic benefits of essential oils into my practice. Harnessing the power of nature's aromatic treasures, I guide individuals in enhancing their yoga and meditation experiences, as well as their overall well-being. By incorporating carefully selected essential oils into classes and sessions, I create immersive sensory experiences that promote relaxation, focus, and emotional balance. Whether diffused during meditation, applied topically for grounding, or incorporated into relaxation techniques, these oils serve as potent tools for supporting mental clarity, emotional wellness, and physical vitality. With a deep understanding of the synergistic relationship between mind, body, and spirit, I empower individuals to harness the healing properties of essential oils as they journey toward greater health, harmony, and wholeness.

Career BreakRelocation

Jul. 2022 - Dec. 2023Alcobaça, LeiriaA career break to assist my family in adapting to a new culture and environment as well managing the complex immigration process. Not only did I hone my organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and time management during this time, I also improved valuable soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. I am learning to speak Portuguese and will apply for permanent residency when eligible in 2027.

HDRSenior Water Resources Engineer

Jan. 2020 - Jun. 2022Folsom, California, United States · HybridDuring my time at HDR, I focused on Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, Flood Control Analysis and Planning, as well as Climate Change Resiliency.

WEST Consultants, Inc.Project Manager / Sr. Hydrologist

Feb. 2015 - Jan. 2020Folsom, CAAs a Senior Hydrologist and Project Manager at WEST Consultants, I have worked with the Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) suite of engineering and planning software to aid our clients in water resources management decision making and planning.

HDRSenior Hydrologist

Aug. 2012 - Feb. 2015Sacramento, California AreaParticipated in the team effort to develop the CEQA analysis for the Flow Management Standard on the Lower American River. Performed the hydrologic and temperature modeling for the Environmental Impact Report in support of the Water Forum Agreement. Provided CalSim-II modeling and interpretation as well as preparation of a technical memorandum describing the modeling code implementation. Developed monthly operations for reservoir, flood control, instream flow requirements, water demands, and water deliveries. Twelve alternatives to the existing condition were modeled and assessed for potential impacts. The EIR focused primarily on the Lower American River while still assessing the impacts to the State Water Project and Central Valley Project.

CA Water ConsultingWater Resources Engineer

Nov. 2010 - Nov. 2011Placerville, CAProjects involving the optimization of water use and water rights as well as long- and short-term water resources planning. Specialized in water resources modeling using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) platform.

GHD/Carlton EngineeringSr. Project Engineer

Mar. 2008 - Oct. 2010Shingle Springs, CA• Hydroelectric Development Project, In an effort to develop new hydroelectric power projects throughout the county, we selected screening criteria, researched project-specific details, and screened hydroelectric energy projects. • Integrated Water Resources Master Plan Was responsible for development of a water resources planning model using the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) modeling platform and analysis of various water demand management alternatives. • Water Rights Accounting, El Dorado Irrigation District Developed and provided training for training EID staff in accounting, prioritizing, and reporting of EID water rights. EID holds over 30 water rights permits and applications dating back to the late 1800s. Timely and accurate accounting protects the use and ownership of these rights. • Probable Maximum Flood Study, Performed a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) study for the Upper Utica Hydroelectric Project (Project). Services included developing input parameters and constructing a hydrologic model of the Project using HEC-HMS The study determined that the reservoirs would safely pass the PMF through the dam spillways. • Streamflow Monitoring, River Pines Public Utilities District – River Pines, CA Provided water resources engineering services to the River Pines Public Utility District (PUD) for its stream gaging project. Services included water rights review, equipment selection, conceptual site planning. Project was initiated in order to protect ownership of PUD’s drinking water rights. • Rainfall Analysis, CalTrans Analyzed and evaluated the rainfall events covering the period of January 7 through January 9, 2005, in Castaic, and January 22, 2008 to January 28, 2008 in Modesto in support of expert witness cases.

El Dorado Irrigation DistrictAssociate Engineer

Nov. 2005 - Mar. 2008Placerville, CA• Researched, selected, and implemented hydrologic model as a decision support tool for the optimal operation of hydroelectric facility while ensuring compliance with FERC license requirements. • Managed the development and implementation of a water year forecasting tool that allows EID to determine how to operate its hydroelectric facility in January and February, when statewide water supply forecasting is not yet available. • Developed and implemented $300,000 streamflow and reservoir gaging project to upgrade current gaging network to accurately measure stream and reservoirs for optimum operation of hydroelectric facility. • Managed slope stability project to determine long-term maintenance requirements of abandoned canal bench on the south slope of the South Fork American River. • Managed project to monitor groundwater in the vicinity of the abandoned canal bench and newly constructed tunnel to ensure the tunnel has not adversely affected groundwater flow regime. • Used statistical analysis to determine the peak spring runoff period in order to implement a pulse flow of stored water down Caples Creek to enhance the geomorphic integrity of the stream channel. • Analyzed data and reported to SWRCB on the lawful use of storage and diversion water rights. • Selected and managed professional engineering consultants and construction contractors for $900,000 streambed reinforcement and wetland revegetation project. Responsible for bidding process, cost management, work orders and invoices, and maintaining effective communication. • Participated in Drought Planning committee for El Dorado County as the hydrology expert for EID. • Led climate change analysis for watershed affecting EID hydroelectric facility. • Coordinated with and maintained excellent working relationships with state and federal regulators.

HYDROFOCUS, INC.Staff Hydrologist

Jun. 2005 - Aug. 2005Davis, CASan Joaquin River Restoration Litigation, San Joaquin Valley Assisted in the evaluation of river-groundwater interactions and the effects of reduced water deliveries on groundwater pumping in support of an expert witness for the 2005 legal process for restoration of San Joaquin River flows. Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for the Ag Waiver Process, Sacramento Valley Assisted in the review and evaluation of existing data and reports to summarize current groundwater quality conditions and assess land- and water-management practices. The goal of this study was to provide an assessment of the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination from surface agricultural sources.

Desert Research InstituteResearch Assistant

Jan. 2003 - May. 2005Reno, Nevada Area• Performed regression analyses on surface water and stormwater data sets using a GIS-based set of explanatory variables to study the affects of land use on nutrient loading on Lake Tahoe. • Installed and maintained automated stormwater sampling sites around Lake Tahoe for establishment of TMDLs. • Acquisitioned, managed and presented physical and chemical data from 300 storm events at 10 continuous stormwater monitoring sites. • Collected samples, maintained autosamplers and managed data in the evaluation of BMPs at Round Hill, Stateline Casinos, and NDOT Hwy 28 projects. • Evaluated trace element and isotopes analyses for a conservative tracer to estimate nutrients and sediment entering Lake Tahoe via major streams in the basin. • Supervised three undergraduates in evapotranspiration and groundwater isotope studies for research program in the Atacama Desert, Chile. • Installed piezometers, sampled groundwater and performed slug tests in a study of near shore groundwater nutrient loading on Lake Tahoe. • Presented Master’s thesis research at Lake Tahoe TMDL conferences, 2003 and 2004.

California Integrated Waste Management BoardWaste Management Engineer

Aug. 1999 - Jan. 2003Sacramento, California Area• Planned and managed phase I and II site investigations to determine extent and degree of soil and water contamination at illegal, abandoned and historical solid waste disposal sites to recommend appropriate steps in remediation, enforcement action, and/or closure of illegal, abandoned and historical disposal sites. • Initiated, designed and presented training courses regarding the design of alternative landfill final covers to educate county and city agencies on science and engineering concepts to expedite the acceptance of the technology in the regulatory community. • Created and presented elementary and high school programs encouraging young women to study engineering and environmental sciences.