Kiera Johnston
Simi Valley,CA
Summary
Courteous and professional Animal Care Specialist with hands-on experience and in class learning in animal husbandry, enrichment, training, and behavioral study. Demonstrates initiative, cultural competency, and the ability to collaborate across teams to ensure the highest standards of animal care and guest connection. Passionate about advancing conservation, inspiring future professionals, and spreading knowlege and passion for the natural world.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Keeper
Benay's Bird and Animals
Woodland Hills, CA
01.2026 - Current
- Provided daily care and feeding for animal species, with an emphasis on daily behavioral enrichment and constant observation.
- Maintained clean and safe animal habitats, ensuring compliance with health and accreditation standards
- Assisted in administering medications as directed by veterinarians
- Assisted in using positive reinforcement training to reduce stress and improve the wellbeing of animals within the facilities.
- Built strong communications within a small team of keeper to advocate for animal welfare and maintain consistent records.
Contract Biologist
The Endangered Butterfly Project
Moorpark, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Completed daily husbandry tasks associated with the care and rearing of endangered butterflies at all life stages, including feeding, sexing, and processing individuals
- Maintained careful and accurate records, with consistency and communication between multiple team members, and adherence to protocols.
- Lead specific self guided projects with the input and support of supervisors, to improve the overall project.
- Managed, supported and trained incoming team members on all necessary tasks associated with care of the butterflies and maintaining of grounds.
- Participated in and assisted with ongoing research being conducted at the project to contribute to the knowledge of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly and improve conservation efforts of the species, in situ and ex situ.
Animal Care Specialist
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Provided daily care, feeding, and enrichment for a diverse collection of species, including mammals, avians, and herptiles, and invertebrates, ensuring health, safety, and animal welfare at all times.
- Maintained accurate animal records, reporting observations through proper communication channels.
- Engaged guests through meet and greets, scripted shows, scheduled feedings and training demonstrations, creating guest connections while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor.
- Used operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training with multiple species to maintain various previously trained behaviors, train new behaviors and trouble shoot behavioral issues.
- Lead small teams in the completion of daily cleaning, feeding and upkeep of enclosures in bird and reptile areas.
- Participated in academic study, in tandem with real time experience of behavioral science, animal welfare, guest interaction and interpretation to maintain and develop skills rooted in science and study.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA05-2027
Skills
- Friendly, Positive and Proffesional Attitude
- Self Motivation
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Abilities
- Confident Communication
- Data Compilation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Publications
Thompson, J. E., M. Sprute, T. Wilson, E. Stanley, E. Harrington, C. Fernandez, K. Johnston, L. Wright, C. Coffey, R. Johnson, T. Longcore, and J. Johnson. 2025. Final Report for 2025 Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly Captive Rearing on Seal Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach, California and The Endangered Butterfly Project, Moorpark, California. Los Angeles: The Urban Wildlands Group (NAVFAC SW Agreement # N62473-19-2-0009).
Timeline
Animal Keeper
Benay's Bird and Animals
01.2026 - Current
Contract Biologist
The Endangered Butterfly Project
02.2025 - Current
Animal Care Specialist
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
08.2024 - 12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Moorpark College