Jeff Mott graduated from CSU, Chico in Biology and Chemistry in 1980. Jeff spent a year working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Ann Arbor, Mi. While pursuing graduate work in fisheries for two years, Jeff worked for the California Department of Water Resources doing biological surveys and stream monitoring. Jeff established a consulting company and performed electroshock surveys, in addition to spotted owl and goshawk surveys. Jeff left graduate school in 1982 to work for the Butte County AQMD.
Jeff was Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer for the AQMD before moving to CSU Chico in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) in 1990. Jeff also consulted for 2 years following his tenure at the AQMD. In this capacity, Jeff performed environmental audits for cogeneration facilities, and compliance assistance. Jeff managed EHS for 2 years and then transferred within CSU Chico to manage the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and Butte Creek Ecological Preserve from 2002 to 2014.
Jeff established many programs at CSU Chico but one of his passions was the Outdoor Classroom at the Ecological Reserves, which offered standards-based, hands-on science and history programs for students of all ages. Jeff retired in July 2014, and is now volunteering for various non-profit organizations. He convened the Outdoor Education For All working group in February, 2013 and is currently working to offer all K-12 students nature-based camps and field trips.