Christina Rodriguez
Miami,FL
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Mammal Specialist 1
Miami Seaquarium
Miami, Florida
08.2025 - Current
- Responsible for the care of 14 California sea lions, and 10 Pacific harbor seals.
- Execute daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications and food preparation.
- Ensure safety for guests, staff, and animals by recognizing behavioral precursors to harmful actions.
- Conduct daily observations of animals, reporting abnormalities to supervisor and team promptly.
- Maintain comprehensive animal records, equipment upkeep, and area responsibilities consistently.
- Participate in educational programs and public shows to develop strong public speaking.
- Deliver proactive guest service through interactions and addressing inquiries before and after shows.
- Effectively use both operant and classical conditioning to shape animal behavior.
Internship
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Litchfield Park, US
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Responsible for the care of 6 California sea lions, 2 North American river otters, and 14 African black-footed penguins.
- Assisted in preparation of animal diets, supplements, and enrichment activities.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation to USDA and AMMPA standards.
- Completed lectures and quizzes to enhance knowledge of marine mammal training.
- Delivered educational presentations, strengthening public speaking abilities.
- Conducted animal observations and participated in trainer discussions during training sessions.
Professional Jockey
05.2023 - 01.2025
- Employed advanced techniques for calming nervous or skittish horses before races
- Mastered the art of controlling large animals in high paced settings and in close contact with other animals
- Exhibited sound judgment and quick problem solving while making split second decisions during races
- Strategized effectively with other members of the horse's team to ensure best animal participation.
Professional Exercise Rider
06.2010 - 05.2023
- Exercised racehorses daily to prepare them for race performances
- Used daily training time to shape animal behavior for animal safety, comfort, and best performance
- Provided daily feedback to team members on animal training with suggestions for future improvement
Horse Groom
09.2008 - 05.2010
- Prepared and administered animal diets/supplements, ensuring optimal animal nutrition
- Groomed horses for health and cleanliness while also applying therapeutic leg wraps
- Prepared animals for daily exercise with properly fitted equipment
- Cleaned and sanitized animal environments to high standards
- Monitored animals for signs of illness or injury
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Maine At Presque Isle
Presque Isle, ME05-2025
Skills
- PADI Open Water Scuba certified
- Licensed professional jockey
- IMATA member
- Fluent in Spanish as a second language
- 15 years of experience with animal care and conditioning
- Strong public speaker
- Proactive learner with a strong work ethic
Timeline
Marine Mammal Specialist 1
Miami Seaquarium
08.2025 - Current
Internship
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
02.2025 - 08.2025
Professional Jockey
05.2023 - 01.2025
Professional Exercise Rider
06.2010 - 05.2023
Horse Groom
09.2008 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Maine At Presque Isle