Lindsey Stephens
Irvine Pet Hospital
Irvine,CA
18
years of professional experience
Experienced exotic animal trainer and zookeeper with a medical license as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Passionate about zoological animal care from the perspective of both medical and behavioral health. Excellent communication skills through all aspects of the animal care team. Pursuing a full-time position that presents opportunities for daily wildlife care and public education. Skilled in behavior analysis of a variety of zoological species and individual needs. Available to work on a flexible schedule as needed for team support.
Work History
Registered Veterinary Technician
4 Years 1 Month- Monitored anesthesia and maintained patient safety during surgical and dental procedures.
- Performed venipuncture, catheter placement, and sample collection for laboratory testing.
- Administered medications, vaccines, and treatments according to veterinary protocols.
- Recorded patient histories, medical notes, and treatment updates with accuracy.
- Educated clients on post-operative care, medication instructions, and preventive health.
- Handled emergency situations with a calm demeanor, providing critical support to veterinarians during life-saving interventions.
- Trained new hires on clinic protocols, ensuring consistent quality of care across the veterinary team.
- Assisted with diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiographs or ultrasounds, enabling accurate diagnoses and treatments.
- Assisted veterinarians in surgery, resulting in successful procedures and faster recovery times for patients.
- Conducted dental cleanings under anesthesia, improving oral health outcomes for patients.
- Maintained detailed records of animal health care and diagnostic treatments.
Free-flight bird trainer
1 Year 1 Month- Developed and trained behaviors of exotic free-flighted birds for engaging and educational demonstrations.
- Created safe interaction environments for free-flighted exotic birds and public to ensure positive experiences.
- Ensured safety during free-flighted training sessions for birds and staff.
- Managed daily diet regulations and enrichment for various sensitive bird species.
- Documented weights, diets, behaviors, and schedules for 75 individual birds each day.
- Coordinated timely public shows to maximize visitor engagement and satisfaction.
Bird Trainer
3 Years 7 Months- Trained free-flighted birds for public shows at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
- Cultivated trusting relationships with free-flighted birds through positive reinforcement techniques, enhancing training effectiveness.
- Coordinated daily training schedules for over 100 individual animals, optimizing training sessions and animal readiness.
- Oversaw team schedules and trainee assignments to ensure synchronized training efforts and maximize learning outcomes.
- Scheduled safe interactions between public and wild animals for educational purposes.
- Assessed, recorded, and ensured optimal care and nutrition for various exotic species daily.
Veterinary Assistant
3 Years 2 Months- Supported veterinarians during examinations and procedures for diverse animal patients at Santa Ana and Orange County zoos, enhancing patient care.
- Monitored vital signs and provided post-operative care to hospitalized animals in recovery.
- Restraint of animals during examinations or treatments using species-appropriate techniques.
- Conducted behavioral assessments of various exotic species to detect signs of illness or injury.
- Oversaw inventory of medical supplies, ensuring timely replenishment and availability for optimal animal care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - RVT
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Skills
Surgical assistance
Clinical assessment
Animal handling
Animal examinations
Behavioral assessment
Animal nutrition
Animal behavior education
Effective communication
Human and animal safety
Verbal and written communication
Animal training
Animal enrichment
Zoo safety protocols
Behavior observation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Veterinary Technician
Irvine Pet Hospital
10.2022 - CurrentRead More
Free-flight bird trainer
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
02.2019 - 03.2020Read More
Bird Trainer
Natural Encounters Inc.
06.2015 - 01.2019Read More
Veterinary Assistant
Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital
04.2009 - 06.2012Read More
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts from Anthropology
Read More
Orange County Veterinary Assistant School
Bachelor of Science from RVT
Read More