Stephen Sweeney
Grand Island,NY
Summary
Dedicated Animal Care Specialist with strong skills in animal husbandry and enrichment programs, and extremely excited to learn even more about all types of marine life. Experienced in caring for marine mammals and birds, ensuring exceptional welfare standards. Adaptable and driven, with a great work ethic and a drive to succeed in the field of animal care.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Care Specialist II
Aquarium of Niagara
Niagara Falls, NY
11.2025 - Current
- Experience working with California sea lions, Grey seals, Harbor seals and Humboldt penguins
- Daily husbandry and care of pinnipeds and birds along with upholding exhibit and food preparation areas to USDA and AZA standards
- Prepare animal diets including sorting fish, weighing out individual diets, thawing and draining buckets
- Providing appropriate vitamins/supplements
- Prepare both safe and clever enrichment devices for animals
- Manage and continuously improve enrichment program effectiveness
- Preform high energy shows with California sea lions
- In depth knowledge of classical and operant conditioning and how to put it into practice
- Develop and execute in depth training plans for new behaviors
- Perform water quality
- Pick up encounter guests and give tours of behind the scenes areas while also talking about our facility, animals, and husbandry
- Public speaking skills for penguin, seal and sea lion presentations
- Complete cleaning tasks in pools showing comfortability in 15ft deep, cold water
- Detailed cleaning of exhibits via scuba
Animal Care Specialist I
Aquarium of Niagara
Niagara Falls, NY
04.2022 - 11.2025
Marine Mammal and Bird Intern
Aquarium of Niagara
Niagara Falls, NY
05.2021 - 08.2021
Part Time Daycare Manager
Island Pet Lodge
Grand Island, NY
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Picked up and dropped off animals to coordinate comprehensive, door-to-door service for regular customers.
- Adhered to all pet care plans, medication requirements and dietary restrictions while providing care.
- Provided adequate attention and consistent oversight to vacationing pets to promote high level of care.
- Developed long-term relationships with clients and bonded with animals through regular contact.
- Removed animal waste from kennels, runs and exercise areas, placing in trash receptacles or in-ground septic systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY08.2022
Skills
- Team player
- Animal care
- Work ethic
- Multitasking
- Friendly, positive attitude
- First aid/CPR certified
- Scuba certified
- Strong swimmer
Timeline
Animal Care Specialist II
Aquarium of Niagara
11.2025 - Current
Animal Care Specialist I
Aquarium of Niagara
04.2022 - 11.2025
Marine Mammal and Bird Intern
Aquarium of Niagara
05.2021 - 08.2021
Part Time Daycare Manager
Island Pet Lodge
01.2018 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
University At Buffalo