Matthew Smith
Snover,MI
Summary
Dedicated candidate with extensive experience providing support to animals. Knowledgeable in monitoring animal vitals, restraint, lab practices, and vaccinations. Highly organized and works well in team environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Wildlife Farm Bill Biologist
Blue Water Conservation District
08.2023 - Current
- Presented talks to public and school groups to encourage interest in conservation topics.
- Monitored environmental conditions during field studies to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Increased wildflower and grass species identification accuracy through regular collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Analyzed crop and forestry data to determine appropriate ways to protect wildlife ecosystems.
Wildlife Biologist Assistant
Michigan Dept. of Natural Recourses.
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Improved habitat quality by conducting restoration projects such as invasive species removal and native plantings.
- Obtained wildlife biological data through trapping and tagging animals and waterfowl.
- Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.
- Investigated living and environmental conditions of mammals and determined solutions to habitat issues.
Rural Carrier Associate
United States Postal Service
01.2017 - 08.2022
- Assist full-time career rural carriers for delivery of mail and packages on as-needed basis and to cover when career employees have days off
- Demonstrated flexibility in adjusting schedules to accommodate unexpected staff shortages or increased workload demands.
- Reduced occurrences of misdelivered mail by diligently verifying addresses before each dropoff.
- Sorted mail according to order of address appearance for easy access in the field.
- Adapted quickly to changing weather conditions, maintaining professional performance levels in various climates while prioritizing safety precautions at all times.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by sorting and organizing mail for efficient delivery routes.
- Promoted a positive work environment, assisting fellow carriers with challenging routes when needed.
- Trained new Rural Carrier Associates on best practices for efficient mail processing, vehicle operation, and customer service procedures.
- Ensured timely delivery of priority packages, adhering to strict deadlines and quality standards.
Kennel Technician
Calhoun County Animal Center
11.2016 - 01.2018
- Cleaned and maintained kennel areas for optimized hygiene, including cages, runs, and yards.
- Enhanced animal socialization skills through daily interaction and playtime activities.
- Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
- Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites, and hair mats.
- Monitored animal behavior closely, identifying potential issues and reporting them to facility management for further evaluation.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to provide medical treatments and monitor post-surgery recovery for animals in our care.
- Improved animal health by administering medications and vaccinations as directed by veterinarians.
- Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries, or potential diseases.
Small Animal IV Technician
MPI Research (Now known as Charles River Labs)
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Caudal tail vein IV and catheter dosage of experimental drugs to more than 1000 rats and mice.
- Read and implemented drug study SOPs on multiple studies.
Veterinary Assistant
Bennett Road Animal Clinic
03.2015 - 07.2015
- Processed radiographs, managed inventory, and client records using AVImark software
- Assisted in administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Groomed and bathed animals to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Animal Care Technician
Patterson Veterinary Hospital
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Used IDEXX Cornerstone software for receptionist duties
- Monitored animal behavior to detect any signs of distress, illness, or injury, taking appropriate action when necessary.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Documented animals' weight, size and condition in computer system for review by senior staff.
- Fostered clean and safe environment, performing regular cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures.
Funeral Honors Team Member
Michigan Army National Guard
09.2007 - 01.2013
- Served, orchestrated, and trained other soldiers for Army Funeral Honors
- Meet the families of deceased veterans, meeting time constraints and professionalism of service
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Field Artillery Tactical Data Specialist and Infantry Mortarman
Michigan Army National Guard
02.2006 - 01.2013
- I used GIS software for field artillery targeting instrumentation
- I obtained the rank of Sergeant and oversaw the training and health and welfare of four other assigned soldiers
- I deployed with an Infantry unit to Iraq in 2008 where I trained on a real time GPS tracking system and functioned as a medical first responder
- I was the driver of a scout truck and had over 12,000 of safe driving in a combat zone
- I was Infantry mortar trained and used handheld GPS targeting systems, while overseeing four lower ranking soldiers
Research Assistant
Michigan State University Agronomy
05.2003 - 12.2003
- Assisted a Ph.D. candidate doing a rotational grazing dairy study using Holstein steers
- I identified and measured the height of grass species in predetermined plot setups according to the study SOP
- Assisted with animal weight monitoring and health and welfare prevention
- Managed research databases.
Education
Master of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Michigan - Flint
Flint, MI12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Michigan - Flint
Flint, MI05.2022
No Degree - Veterinary Technology
Colorado Mountain College – Spring Valley
Glenwood Springs, CO12.2014
Associate of Science - General Studies
Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI05.2014
No Degree - General Studies
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MI05.2002
Skills
- Statistical Data Analysis
- Writing reports
- Microscopy Expertise
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Specimen Collection
- Research background
- Sample Testing
- Molecular Biology
- Studying animal behavior
- In Vivo Studies
- Data Analysis
- Grant Writing
- Study design
Military Service
- C-Btry 1-119FA and A-Co/HHC 1-125INF, Field Artillery Tactical Data Specialist and Infantry Mortarman, 02/06/06, 01/10/13, Used GIS software and oversaw training of soldiers.
- Michigan Military Funeral Honors Team, Honor Guard, 09/01/17, 01/10/13, Orchestrated Army Funeral Honors and met with families of deceased veterans.
Certification
- Certified: GIS, U of M - Flint
- Certified: Open Water Scuba, PADI
Timeline
Wildlife Farm Bill Biologist
Blue Water Conservation District
08.2023 - Current
Wildlife Biologist Assistant
Michigan Dept. of Natural Recourses.
05.2023 - 08.2023
Rural Carrier Associate
United States Postal Service
01.2017 - 08.2022
Kennel Technician
Calhoun County Animal Center
11.2016 - 01.2018
Small Animal IV Technician
MPI Research (Now known as Charles River Labs)
10.2015 - 10.2016
Veterinary Assistant
Bennett Road Animal Clinic
03.2015 - 07.2015
Animal Care Technician
Patterson Veterinary Hospital
08.2013 - 05.2014
Funeral Honors Team Member
Michigan Army National Guard
09.2007 - 01.2013
Field Artillery Tactical Data Specialist and Infantry Mortarman
Michigan Army National Guard
02.2006 - 01.2013
Research Assistant
Michigan State University Agronomy
05.2003 - 12.2003
Master of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Michigan - Flint
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Michigan - Flint
No Degree - Veterinary Technology
Colorado Mountain College – Spring Valley
Associate of Science - General Studies
Lansing Community College
No Degree - General Studies
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Certified: GIS, U of M - Flint
- Certified: Open Water Scuba, PADI
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