Sarah Whelan
216 Belair Drive Massapequa Park,NY
Summary
Led educational programs focused on marine and environmental sciences, enhancing community engagement and awareness. Managed animal care operations, ensuring high standards of wildlife rehabilitation and husbandry. Drove research and restoration initiatives through effective collaboration and outreach strategies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
10
10
Certification
Work History
Ocean Specialist
Saltaire Village
Fire Island, NY
06.2021 - Current
- Consulted on public safety decisions related to potentially dangerous marine life
- Developed and led a comprehensive Marine Education Program
- Developed comprehensive staff and student schedules, optimizing rotation groups for efficiency.
- Developed curriculum to educate Fire Island residents on native and invasive flora and fauna of the Great South Bay.
Lead Marine Science Instructor
Catalina Island Marine Institute
Catalina, CA
01.2024 - 12.2025
- Facilitated immersive marine science education for school groups, emphasizing local flora and fauna.
- Designed and taught lesson plans covering marine ecology, conservation, and oceanography
- Guided students on adventure-based learning experiences including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and boating
- Operated and navigated boats around Catalina Island
- Trained new staff members in safety and educational practices
Conservation Technician
Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways
NY
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Participated in endangered and protected species fieldwork, including migratory shorebirds and diamondback terrapins
- Assisted with and led wildlife rescues and rehabilitation across the township including feral cats, diamondback terrapins, birds of prey and protected shorebirds
- Conducted invasive species control and habitat management
- Supported shellfish laboratory and greenhouse programs
Head Educator & Facility Caretaker
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
05.2021 - 11.2023
- Led guided tours for school groups and scout organizations
- Delivered outreach programs throughout Long Island focused on conservation and environmental stewardship
- Maintained daily care of 100+ exhibits, including trout, turtles, amphibians, and other species
- Rehabilitated wildlife rescued by public such as aquatic turtles, amphibians, and snakes
Mammals Assistant
Long Island Aquarium
Riverhead, NY
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Assisted in daily care of marine and terrestrial mammals including seals, sea lions, snow monkeys, marmosets, and porcupines
- Prepared meals, administered medications, and performed habitat checks
- Trained in mammal husbandry and behavioral observation
- Educated guests on wildlife conservation and animal behavior
- Participated in rescue and rehab programs through the adjacent NYS Marine rescue foundation specializing in pinniped and sea turtle aid
Field Researcher
Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program
Southampton, NY
05.2019 - 09.2019
- Collected and analyzed water quality data in local marine environments
- Conducted trawling and catch-and-release surveys of local flora and fauna
- Taught weekly environmental education classes for local youth
- Collected and redistributed oyster shells to support reef restoration projects
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Marine Vertebrate Biology
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY12.2022
Skills
Animal Care & Husbandry
Marine and terrestrial animal husbandry, wildlife rescue & rehabilitation, animal observation & behavioral monitoring
Field Research & Conservation
Water quality monitoring & sampling, habitat restoration & invasive species management, data collection & environmental reporting, shellfish lab & greenhouse support
Marine Operations
Small vessel operation & navigation, in water instruction & supervision, marine safety & risk management, SCUBA (NAUI Rescue Diver, Scientific Skin Diver)
Education & Leadership
K–12 environmental education, curriculum development, public outreach & community engagement, program coordination & scheduling, interpretive environmental communication
Certification
- CPR & First Aid
- NAUI Rescue Diver
- NAUI Scientific Skin Diver
- NOAA Plastic & Marine Debris Surveyor
- New York Marine Marine Rescue on-call monitor
- Naturalist I
- NYS & CA Boater’s License
- U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License (Six-Pack) – In Progress
Timeline
Lead Marine Science Instructor
Catalina Island Marine Institute
01.2024 - 12.2025
Conservation Technician
Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways
11.2023 - 10.2024
Ocean Specialist
Saltaire Village
06.2021 - Current
Head Educator & Facility Caretaker
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
05.2021 - 11.2023
Mammals Assistant
Long Island Aquarium
08.2019 - 02.2020
Field Researcher
Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program
05.2019 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Marine Vertebrate Biology
Stony Brook University