RANGEL DIAZ
Miami
Summary
Dedicated animal care and wildlife conservation professional with nearly 20 years of experience in animal husbandry, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation research, environmental education, and public engagement. Extensive experience working with reptiles, amphibians, raptors, songbirds, and native wildlife through educational collections, rehabilitation programs, and conservation initiatives. Skilled in animal training, behavioral observation, enrichment development, veterinary support, habitat management, and public presentations. Proven ability to maintain high standards of animal welfare while supporting the conservation, education, and guest engagement missions of nature based institutions.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Recreation Manager / Naturalist
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces – Deering Estate
Miami, FL
11.2014 - Current
- Lead environmental education, conservation, and wildlife interpretation programs across a 460-acre ecological, archaeological, and historical preserve.
- Monitor and document avian populations and assist with surveys and management of rare native plant species.
- Conduct wildlife observations and collect field data supporting conservation and resource management initiatives.
- Develop and deliver educational programs focused on animal behavior, ecology, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
- Supervise interpretive staff, volunteers, interns, and seasonal employees.
- Manage inclusive nature-based camp and youth programs serving more than 30,000 participants annually.
- Coordinate public outreach initiatives designed to foster appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
- Maintain detailed program, wildlife monitoring, and participation records.
- Lead nature hikes, field investigations, and educational experiences that emphasize wildlife observation and habitat conservation.
Recreation Leader / Naturalist
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces – Eco-Adventures
08.2006 - 01.2014
- Managed and maintained an educational collection of reptiles and amphibians, ensuring proper husbandry, feeding, habitat maintenance, and animal welfare.
- Conducted daily animal observations to monitor health, behavior, and overall condition.
- Assisted with animal handling during educational presentations and outreach programs.
- Developed enrichment activities and educational experiences that encouraged natural behaviors and enhanced animal welfare.
- Maintained animal enclosures and support areas in accordance with established safety and sanitation standards.
- Led live animal presentations for youth, adults, and individuals with disabilities.
- Participated in wildlife conservation initiatives including sea turtle nesting surveys and monitoring of threatened Piping Plover populations.
- Collected and maintained wildlife monitoring data and field records.
- Served as an eco-tour guide leading wildlife-focused paddling, hiking, snorkeling, and outdoor education programs.
Animal Care Assistant
Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Miami, FL
09.2005 - 08.2006
- Assisted in the rehabilitation and daily care of native raptors, vultures, and songbirds undergoing treatment, recovery, and conditioning.
- Assisted veterinary staff with the intake, examination, and treatment of injured and orphaned avian patients.
- Monitored patient behavior, appetite, physical condition, and overall health status and communicated observations to veterinary and animal care staff.
- Assisted with administering treatments and supportive care under veterinary supervision.
- Prepared diets and maintained rehabilitation enclosures in accordance with established husbandry and sanitation protocols.
- Assisted in the training and manning of raptors for educational programs and public demonstrations.
- Utilized positive reinforcement and species-appropriate training techniques to develop behaviors needed for handling and educational presentations.
- Recorded behavioral observations and rehabilitation progress to support animal welfare and treatment objectives.
- Assisted in the care and maintenance of a living collection of reptiles and freshwater and marine fish housed in museum exhibits.
- Performed exhibit maintenance, feeding, habitat cleaning, water quality monitoring, and enrichment activities.
- Participated in public education programs promoting wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and responsible stewardship.
Education
Associate in Arts - Biology
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL05-2014
Skills
- Animal Husbandry & Daily Care
- Animal Training & Behavioral Management
- Positive Reinforcement Training Principles
- Animal Enrichment Development & Evaluation
- Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Veterinary Support & Patient Monitoring
- Animal Handling & Restraint
- Behavioral Observation & Documentation
- Diet Preparation & Feeding Protocols
- Habitat Maintenance & Environmental Management
- Conservation Research & Wildlife Monitoring
- Public Animal Presentations
- Volunteer & Staff Supervision
- Program Development & Management
- Record Keeping & Data Collection
Certification
Ageing Birds via Molt Limits Virtual Workshop
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Recreation Manager / Naturalist
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces – Deering Estate
11.2014 - Current
Recreation Leader / Naturalist
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces – Eco-Adventures
08.2006 - 01.2014
Animal Care Assistant
Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
09.2005 - 08.2006
Associate in Arts - Biology
Miami Dade College
CONSERVATION & RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
- Cape Florida Banding Station
- Extractor and Bander-in-Training | 2012 – 2022
- Assist with the capture, handling, banding, measurement, and release of migratory birds.
- Collect biometric and behavioral data supporting long-term avian research and conservation efforts.
- Follow established animal handling and welfare protocols while working with a variety of bird species.
- Florida Shorebird Alliance
- Southeast Chapter Coordinator & Rooftop Monitor | 2012 – 2013
- Monitor nesting shorebirds and collect population and productivity data.
- Coordinate volunteer conservation efforts and public outreach initiatives.
- Educate community members on wildlife protection and responsible stewardship practices.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Nearly 20 years of experience working with wildlife, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and avian species.
- Hands-on experience with raptor rehabilitation, avian patient intake, and veterinary support procedures.
- Experience training and handling raptors for educational and ambassador animal programs.
- Managed educational animal collections and assisted with the care of aquarium exhibits.
- Developed and implemented enrichment activities that promoted natural behaviors and animal welfare.
- Extensive experience communicating animal behavior, conservation, and environmental topics to diverse audiences.
- Strong background in wildlife monitoring, conservation research, and behavioral observation.
- Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare, conservation, education, and professional excellence.