Emma Kindley
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Graduated with a Masters in Coastal and Ocean Policy, with hands-on experience working in coastal restoration and animal rescue and a diverse background in community outreach and humanitarian assistance. Currently active in supporting national, regional, and state policy makers in crafting environmental policies and regulations that protect marine mammals. Passionate about conservation and humanity’s responsibility to safeguard and restore our marine environment.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Statewide Manatee Rules Coordinator
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tallahassee, FL
11.2023 - Current
- Oversaw the development and management of protection rules and permits, with a focus on regulations associated with the Florida manatee.
- Developed and monitors Florida manatee protection rules.
- Attended and represented the FWC at government meetings, public meetings, administrative hearings, and Commission meetings.
- Reviewed requests and oversaw processing for permits and variances to conduct activities prohibited by rules and statutes.
- Reviewed requests and coordinated activities associated with local government Manatee Protection Zones.
- Coordinated data collection activities, conducted data analyses, and regularly monitored available data, including serving as primary investigator, contract manager, or liaison with outside partners.
- Performed field and site visits related to rule development, as necessary.
- Participated in revisions and coordination discussions of county Manatee Protection Plans.
- Participated in data collection, necropsies, and other miscellaneous field work assignments as needed.
Environmental Commenter
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tallahassee, FL
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Drafted biological opinions for regulatory and planning authorizations such as Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Coastal Construction Control Line permits (CCCL), Sovereign Submerged Lands Leases (SSL), Joint Coastal Permits (JCP), various management plans, comprehensive plan amendments and State Clearinghouse items under the Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP).
- Implemented county manatee protection plans (MPP) through the state permitting process.
- Provided technical assistance to other sections within the agency, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments throughout the state.
- Worked with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to conserve, enhance, and protect manatee and marine turtle habitat.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided assistance to Advisor through grant writing and drafting public policy proposals.
- Social Media Coordinator for Coastal and Ocean Policy Program, Masters Program.
- Individual Research focused on Bycatch Mitigation in Fisheries (sea turtles, marine mammals), North Atlantic Right Whale Policy, and Interactions of Marine Mammals with Offshore Wind Industry.
Marine Mammal Campaign Intern, North Atlantic Right Whale Campaign
International Fund for Animal Welfare
Washington, D.C.
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Reviewed and drafted policy proposals, letters, fact sheets, reports, op-eds, sign-on letters, position statements, social media content, and other informational materials.
- Contributed towards drafting organization's position on the offshore wind industry.
- Engaged in grassroots outreach, coordinated events, and helped IFAW's presence grow along the East Coast.
- Engaged with national and state legislators, and regulatory agencies.
- Engaged with stakeholders, including maritime industries and fishermen, to perform outreach related to the North Atlantic Right Whale.
- Represented IFAW at coalition meetings, conferences, congressional and regulatory agency hearings, and other events.
- Experience working with federal environmental laws that protect marine mammals, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Aquarist II
Audubon Nature Institute
New Orleans, LA
02.2020 - 07.2021
- Followed AZA and USDA protocols and standards with respect to food preparation, biosecurity, and quarantine.
- Experience working with a wide variety of exhibits, including saltwater and freshwater.
- Experience working with and caring for aquatic animals such as elasmobranchs, marine mammals, teleosts, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Conducted water quality tests to ensure optimal levels of dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrates and other parameters.
- Performed routine maintenance on tanks, pumps, filters and related equipment.
- Participated in rescue operations for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles by providing temporary housing and medical care until they could be released back into their natural environment.
- Collaborated with veterinary professionals regarding treatments for sick or injured a
Fishes and Invertebrate Intern
Audubon Nature Institute
New Orleans, LA
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Given the opportunity to learn how to care for a new gallery outside the assigned gallery, due to exceptional work ethic, efficiency, and performance.
- Independent internship project titled 'Enrichment of Coral Catsharks in an Aquarium Setting'.
- Attended classes such as 'collection planning', 'water quality/life support', 'necropsy, and hospital procedures in an aquarium.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities performed throughout internship period.
Education
Master of Science - Coastal & Ocean Policy
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08.2019
Skills
- Certified First Aid and CPR
- Certified Advanced Open Water Diver
- Geographic Information System (ArcPro) Proficiency
- Proficient in Studio R
- Technical Presentations
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office
- State and Federal Policy Management
- Community Outreach and Grassroots Organizing
- Policy Research and Analysis
- Marine Mammal Biology and Policy
- Quantitative Research
Websites
Volunteer Experience
- Society for Marine Mammalogy, Student Member, 10/2022 - Present.
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, Husbandry Team, 04/2022-05/2023.
- North Carolina Coastal Federation, 10/2021-05/2023.
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 11/2021-05/2023.
- UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, Student Member, 09/2021-05/2023.
- Coastal Wildlife Network, Sea Turtle Rehab & Release Team, 02/2021-07/2021.
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Mammal Stranding Network Volunteer, 05/2019-08/2019.
- AMOS Health & Hope in Nicaragua, Disaster Relief through installation of water filters in rural Apantillo, Nicaragua, 07/2016.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Statewide Manatee Rules Coordinator
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
11.2023 - Current
Environmental Commenter
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
01.2023 - 11.2023
Marine Mammal Campaign Intern, North Atlantic Right Whale Campaign
International Fund for Animal Welfare
06.2022 - 12.2022
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
02.2022 - 05.2023
Aquarist II
Audubon Nature Institute
02.2020 - 07.2021
Fishes and Invertebrate Intern
Audubon Nature Institute
11.2019 - 02.2020
Master of Science - Coastal & Ocean Policy
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Auburn University
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