Professional Resume
EDUCATION
Master of Arts: Education - Science | 2015
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts: Biology - Ecology & Organism Biology | 2011
Olivet College
Olivet College
HIGHLIGHTS & TECHNICAL SKILLS
HIGHLIGHTS
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Environmental Education
- Biological Fieldwork
- Conservation Initiatives
- Curriculum Development
- Public Speaking
- Animal Husbandry
- Leadership
- Team Coordination
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Microsoft Office
- Google for Education
- Learning & Course Management Systems
- Tablets, eBooks & Apps
- Website Creation
- Online Tools & Assessments
- Networking, Social Media, Blogs
- Video/Audio Editing
EMPLOYMENT
Resource Interpreter/Manager | 2013 - Present
Halton Region Conservation Authority
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Halton Region Conservation Authority
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Coordinate daily operation of park programs while maintaining optimum levels of customer service
- Supervision of Education, Customer Service, Raptor Center and Operations contract staff
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships with park visitors, park staff and the wider Conservation Halton community
- Enforcing provincially and privately mandated conservation area laws and regulations
- Aid in the training and orientation of new park staff
- Oversee and organize the Education Department’s captive teaching animal collection and animal care staff team
- Deliver environmentally and cultural based education programming focusing on Southern Ontario’s unique biological landscape and pre-European First Nations Cultures
Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Captive Breeding & Monitoring Technician | 2013 - 2015
Halton Region Conservation Authority
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Halton Region Conservation Authority
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Created a captive habitat, conducive with that of the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike’s native breeding grounds, to promote captive reproduction success
- Adhered to daily care and sanitation protocols as outlined by our project partner, Preservation Canada, as well as our departmental lead
- Conducted field observations and record data regarding overall avian behaviors, breeding developments, and environmental conditions and stimuli
- Presented recorded findings to directorial staff and corporate leaders
- Transmitted daily breeding developments and individual health status reports through various technological platforms
- Coordinated and administer animal transfers, health examinations, and identification marking with Preservation Canada project leaders
Distance Learning Coordinator/Programs Leader | 2012 - 2013
Toronto Zoo
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Zoo
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
- Developed a series of environmentally based educational programming that adhered to grade specific curriculum standards, and were presented on-site and virtually through online videoconference technologies
- Performed school board needs analysis to determine the role of virtual programming within existing academic curriculums
- Delivered research reports on program efficiency, cost analysis, and technological performance to Education Department administrative staff for future grant proposals
- Worked in conjunction with the Education Department’s animal care staff on proper handling, husbandry protocols, and transportation of program species
- Collaborated with the Volunteer Department, IT Division, Animal Care staff, Veterinary team, and endangered species research team to optimize videoconference programming element
Senior Conservation Educator | 2009 - 2010
Binder Park Zoo
Battle Creek, Michigan
Binder Park Zoo
Battle Creek, Michigan
- Oversaw program development and expansion for environmental and zoological based interpretive presentations catered to academic institutions throughout Central Michigan
- Directed a publicly viewed multi-species animal demonstration exhibiting training techniques and natural behaviors presented on Binder Park Zoo’s main stage
- Trained various animal species for medical examination procedures, human interaction acclimatization, and natural behavior demonstrations
- Collaborated in development and execution of organizational fundraisers and community events, often taking the lead as Master of Ceremonies
- Coordinated Binder Park Zoo’s Education Department volunteer and internship program
Naturalist | 2008 - 2009
Woldumar Nature Center
Lansing, Michigan
Woldumar Nature Center
Lansing, Michigan
- Created habitat specific, ecological programming depicting natural aspects and ethical land use of the Mid-Michigan wild landscape
- Initiated Woldumar Nature Center’s informative graphics campaign covering the redesign and overall direction of its existing public information displays regarding primary property and incorporated trail system areas
- Expanded the institutions corporate and community public relation and fund raising programs by reaching out past the established clientele base and incorporating modern forms of technological advertising
- Developed and directed an optimized care campaign for the institutions educational animal collection incorporating modern husbandry practices and overseeing volunteer animal care staff
- Maintained and operated Woldumar Nature Center’s website, creating updated visual and informative components for public and academic visitors in HTML format; www.woldumar.org
Avian Trainer | 2008 - 2008
Natural Encounters Inc.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Natural Encounters Inc.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Apprenticed closely under senior training staff to learn in depth techniques of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, especially as it pertains to avian species
- Completed daily avian assessments and husbandry protocols of presentation animals through meticulous habitat sanitization, individual weight data logging, diet preparation, and creative enrichment construction
- Trained a variety of avian species through specific positive reinforcement techniques in order to highlight their natural behaviors in a presentation setting
- Conducted public viewing free-flight avian presentations on a daily basis at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
- Hand raised and acclimated newly acquired avian species under the supervision and guidance of our staff falconer
- Conceptualized and constructed an outdoor amphitheatre equipped with structural components that help display the presentation animals natural behaviors
Environmental Educator | 2006 - 2008
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Developed public presentation skills and environmental education content knowledge through the creation and implementation of wildlife conservation programming for academic and community organizations
- Created customized curriculum adhering to Connecticut State Science Standards catering to multiple public and private school grade levels
- Conducted daily care and maintenance of the Education Department’s presentation animals, and assisted interdepartmental zoo keeper staff in the care and training of the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo animal collection in its entirety
- Presented educational public relations presentations through local and regional television news organizations, radio interviews, print media, and community appearances
- Partnered with state and national government agencies in the development and implementation of conservation initiatives, urban environmental projects, and habitat restoration plans