Colton Smith
Summary
Aspiring marine biologist with field experience in various locations. Committed to implementing conservation practices and adhering to regulations to protect endangered areas. Skilled in research and reporting, and community education. Considered a valuable team asset with problem soling skills.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Interpreter
Alaska Sea Life Center
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Educational Specialist: planned and executed various programs and activities emphasizing conservation, empathy, and diversity
- Narrated animal feeding and training sessions
- Led group tours, pop-up programs, structured learning engagement, and daily guest interpretive opportunities
- Performed regular educational presentations to large crowds about our centerpiece animals: marine birds, arctic seals, and Stellar Sea Lions
- Caretaker of the touch tank and tide pool exhibit, educating guests on the various animals and methods to interact with them.
Volunteer
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Worked with teams to remove trash and invasive species from the area
- Conducted surveys of public waterways to assess ecosystem health and inform management decisions.
- Aided in the restoration of degraded ecosystems by utilizing erosion control measures and revegetation techniques for various parks and bodies of water.
Volunteer
Moose Mamas
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Assisted in the containment, and maintenance of facility
- Assisted in feedings: bottle to branches
- Participated on the release team in the fall.
Volunteer
Seward Sea Life Center
06.2019 - 05.2021
- Assigned to the Aquarium Department directly under Richard Hawking
- Maintained multiple animal exhibits and aquariums
- Gathered samples of zooplankton to be put on display in the Sea Life Center
- Checked Resurrection Bay for invasive species
- Worked on a tank containing a live Sleeper Shark
- Worked with a Pacific Giant Octopus named Augustus before his release
- Processed food for most of the aquarium's species.
Bike Shop Manger
Eckerd College
01.2021 - Current
- Repair and maintain a 100-bike fleet, for the bike share program
- Repair personal bikes for students-beach riders to mountain bikes
- Organize and maintain bike shop, as well as catalog bike parts and service history
- Develop new promotional campaigns ie- tandem bikes
- Mentor new team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
Diver
St. Petersburg Gulf and Bay Marine
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Worked as hull cleaner and dock installer- underwater diving
- Managed heavy equipment and extensive hookah diving
- Cleaned an average of three hulls per day
- Installed several docks as part of a team
- Spent 75+ hours underwater.
Snowboard Instructor
Hilltop Ski Area
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Implemented regular feedback sessions with students and parents after lessons, ensuring ongoing communication regarding progress and areas for improvement.
- Provided guidance to clients in overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities.
- Promoted a culture of inclusivity by adapting teaching strategies for students with varying physical abilities or learning styles.
- Created customized training programs for intermediate-level riders focused on honing specific techniques relevant to their goals.
Camp Staff
Black Diamond Adventure Camp
06.2021 - 08.2022
- High and Low ropes course facilitator, team building and challenge course- all ages
- Small Group Leader for students ages 6-19
- Lifeguard
- Teacher for small and large groups
- Cleaning and maintenance all over camp including but not limited to kitchen, ropes course and outdoor maintenance.
Crew Member
Youth In The Parks (YEP)
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Utilized power tools and landscaping machines to maintain outdoor areas.
- Preserved park resources by implementing sustainable practices in daily operations and maintenance tasks.
- Contributed to a safer park environment by promptly addressing and reporting potential hazards.
- Preserved natural habitats by implementing sustainable trail maintenance practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL05.2025
Open Water Certification
SBI Scuba Diving
St. Petersburg, FL01.2022
Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Public Outreach and Education
- Advanced scuba diving
- Invasive species management
- Marine Species Identification
- Resource Management
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Problem Resolution
- Microorganism Testing
- Biological Sampling Methods
Special Interests
- Cetaceans
- Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Conservation (HS Science Fair, Natural Resources award 2017)
- Algae and how it interacts with climate change
- Crustaceans
- Animal Conservation
International Experiences
- Costa Rica Mission, team member, 2018
- Costa Rica Mission, Team Leader, 2021
- Chile Winter Term Study Abroad, 2023 Fully immersed in language and culture
References
Kathrine Robinson, PhD., Eckerd College Faculty Mentor
4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711
727-864-8646 robinskk@eckerd.edu
Evan Boiler, Eckerd College Campus Director of Sustainability
4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711
203-506-1789 bollieea@eckerd.edu
Micah Thompson, Owner of Gulf and Bay Dive
2233 3rd Ave S, St Petersburg, FL,
33712, 727-365-5878
Andrew Hurst, Day Camp Director, Black Diamond Camp
19830 SE 328th Pl, Auburn, WA, 98092
206-743-7273, andrewhurst@blackdiamond.org
Timeline
Interpreter
Alaska Sea Life Center
05.2023 - 08.2023
Volunteer
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
03.2023 - 05.2023
Diver
St. Petersburg Gulf and Bay Marine
05.2022 - 06.2022
Camp Staff
Black Diamond Adventure Camp
06.2021 - 08.2022
Bike Shop Manger
Eckerd College
01.2021 - Current
Snowboard Instructor
Hilltop Ski Area
11.2020 - 04.2021
Crew Member
Youth In The Parks (YEP)
05.2020 - 08.2020
Volunteer
Moose Mamas
04.2020 - 10.2020
Volunteer
Seward Sea Life Center
06.2019 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Eckerd College
Open Water Certification
SBI Scuba Diving
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