David K. Houghton
North Conway,NH
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Curator
Shores Aquarium
Glen, NH
08.2018 - Current
- (603) 383-4186
- Tasked with oversight of construction of new facility
- Established procedures and protocols for dive operation, animal interaction, guest interaction, staff safety and staff training
- Established job descriptions for animal care and education staff
- Established quarantine area for receiving animals prior to opening
- Worked closely with facilities director to maintain optimum levels of communication to effectively and efficiently complete projects.
- Actively listened to customers' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Displays Curator
Sea Life Charlotte Concord
Concord, NC
06.2016 - 07.2018
- (704) 456-1954
- Performed care and maintenance of all animals in Aquarium property
- Hire , train and supervise displays staff
- Order supplies and maintain inventory within budget constraints
- Performed medicating/ quarantining animals following company protocols
- Arrange shipments of animals and supplies
- Oversee life support systems
- Worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Developed team communications and information for meetings
- Supervised work of contracted employees to keep on task for timely completion
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication
Curator
Kemah Aquarium
Kemah, TX
05.2012 - 02.2016
- 77565 (281) 334 – 9010
- Perform care and maintenance of all animals in Aquarium property
- Hire , train and supervise biology staff, education staff and divers
- Order supplies and maintain inventory within budget constraint
- Performed medicating/ quarantining of animals following company protocols
- Arrange shipments of animals and supplies
- Perform minor plumbing and electrical repairs as needed
- Perform checks/ maintenance on HVAC systems
- Perform shipping and receiving duties for site
- Oversee life support systems
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts
Lead Aquarist
Catawba Science Center
Hickory, MI
08.2007 - 05.2012
- Performed care and maintenance of all animals in aquariums and other buildings ( including freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, amphibians and various invertebrates)
- Performed maintenance of all filtration systems
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure high levels of productivity
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
- Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
Zookeeper
Como Zoo
St. Paul, MN
09.2006 - 02.2007
- (651) 487-8208
- Provide care and feeding for animals in Tropical Encounters Exhibit ( fish, birds,reptiles)
- Assist staff with care of other animals in assigned buildings
- Perform water chemistry and filter maintenance
- Set up new quarantine facilities for fish and birds
- Assist with construction of new exhibits
- Perform minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs
- Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries or potential diseases
Aquarist
Belle Isle Aquarium/Detroit Zoological Institute
Detroit, MI
10.1997 - 04.2005
- Performed routine maintenance and met husbandry requirements for freshwater and marine species
- Performed maintenance filtration equipment
- Medicate animals when necessary following all indicated guidelines
- Performed fieldwork including use of nets, seines and other equipment
- Provide and present educational material to interns, volunteers and numerous school groups as needed
- Performed routine janitorial services to maintain appearance of facility
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12.1996
Associate - Art
Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, MI12.1994
Associate - Science
Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, MI08.1994
Skills
- Exhibit preparation
- Computer Skills
- Dependable and Responsible
- Leadership
- Public lecturing
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- First Aid/CPR
- Organization and Time Management
- Maintenance and Repair
- PPE Compliance
Certification
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) AALSO Level 1 Certification
Certified Powered Industrial Truck Operator Class 4
PADI Open Water Scuba Certified 12110Y9159
Weld On PVC/ CPVC bonding certified
OSHA 10 Hour General Industry certified 24-701621326
New Hampshire Waterworks Operator, Treatment Grade 1 and Distribution Grade 1
Affiliations
Aquarium Science Advisory Board member for Davidson County Community College, Lexington NC
Veterinary Assistant Program Advisory Board member for White Mountain Community College, North Conway, NH
Timeline
Curator
Shores Aquarium
08.2018 - Current
Displays Curator
Sea Life Charlotte Concord
06.2016 - 07.2018
Curator
Kemah Aquarium
05.2012 - 02.2016
Lead Aquarist
Catawba Science Center
08.2007 - 05.2012
Zookeeper
Como Zoo
09.2006 - 02.2007
Aquarist
Belle Isle Aquarium/Detroit Zoological Institute
10.1997 - 04.2005
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Wayne State University
Associate - Art
Henry Ford Community College
Associate - Science
Henry Ford Community College
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
AALSO Level 1 Certification
Certified Powered Industrial Truck Operator Class 4,5
PADI Open Water Scuba Certified 12110Y9159
American Heart Association Adult, Child and Infant First Aid, CPR and AED
Mentor for Clear Creek Intermediate School District, League City Texas
Weld On PVC/ CPVC bonding certified
OSHA 10 Hour General Industry certified 24-701621326
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