Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Cover letter
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Taylor Pettaway

East Lansing

Summary

Motivated college student seeking hands-on experience to improve skills. Excited to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to a team's success. Willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities to expand knowledge and abilities while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Kennel Assistant and Handler

Mitten Dog Company
08.2025 - Current
  • Assisted in daily care routines for dogs, ensuring health and well-being.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kennel facilities, enhancing overall safety.
  • Implemented feeding schedules tailored to individual dietary needs of dogs.
  • Developed enrichment activities to promote physical and mental stimulation for dogs.
  • Ensured safety of all animals through proper handling techniques and adherence to established protocols.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities by managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously, including animal care and client interactions.

Wildlife Biology Tech

Michigan State University
05.2025 - 07.2025
  • Collaborated with the American Bird Conservancy and Michigan DNR on avian and wildlife monitoring projects across remote locations in northern Michigan.
  • Worked throughout the northern lower peninsula and upper peninsula of Michigan in various remote locations.
  • Deployed and retrieved Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) to monitor populations of warbler species and American woodcocks.
  • Utilized Avenza Maps and GPS coordinates for precise navigation to field sites and placement of ARUs and game cameras.
  • Recorded and managed field data using Survey123, ensuring accurate documentation of coordinates, habitat conditions, and equipment status.
  • Installed and maintained game cameras to monitor deer activity and behavior across various ecological sites.
  • Conducted vegetation surveys to assess deer grazing impact on local vegetation and ecosystem health.
  • Demonstrated strong fieldwork skills, problem-solving, and adaptability in diverse terrain and remote environments.

Research Assistant

Michigan State University
05.2024 - 12.2024
  • Conducted mosquito sample collection in a field environment setting, utilizing proven techniques to gather data for research purposes.
  • Experience in sorting samples in a laboratory setting and identifying specific mosquito species known to carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
  • Recorded, organized, and analyzed data related to mosquito populations in different site locations.

Dog Daycare Attendant

Four-Legged Friends
11.2019 - 08.2023
  • Interacting with dogs in playgroups using appropriate tools to ensure safe levels of play.
  • Experience working with different size dogs and various breeds.
  • Monitoring dog play at all times ensuring safe and appropriate play.
  • Maintaining a clean environment and performing daily cleaning tasks.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Biology

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
05.2026

Associate's Degree in Science -

Schoolcraft College
Livonia, Michigan
05.2023

Skills

  • Responsible

  • Problem Solver

  • Organized

  • Flexible

  • Creativity

  • Team Player

  • Attention to Detail

  • Trainable

  • Animal behavior

  • Animal care

  • Time management

  • Data entry

  • Fieldwork experience

Timeline

Kennel Assistant and Handler

Mitten Dog Company
08.2025 - Current

Wildlife Biology Tech

Michigan State University
05.2025 - 07.2025

Research Assistant

Michigan State University
05.2024 - 12.2024

Dog Daycare Attendant

Four-Legged Friends
11.2019 - 08.2023

Bachelor of Science - Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Biology

Michigan State University

Associate's Degree in Science -

Schoolcraft College

Cover letter

Taylor Pettaway

✉ Pettawa3@msu.edu


Dear Archipelago Research and Conservation members,


I am excited to express my interest in the ARC Seabird and Waterbird Technician position that you have available. As a motivated college student majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in Wildlife Biology, I have gained valuable experience in research and hands-on fieldwork. Recently, I assisted in a project focused on bird and deer research in Michigan's upper peninsula, which allowed me to develop strong observational, analytical, and data collection skills. I am eager to apply my academic training and hands on training to support efforts for threatened and endangered seabirds and waterbirds in Hawaiʻi.


My academic and research experiences have provided me with a solid foundation in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, wildlife monitoring techniques, habitat assessment, and ethical research practices. These experiences have also enabled me to develop proficiency in data management and scientific reporting. I am eager to apply these skills to avian monitoring and conservation research related to infrastructure projects, and I am motivated to further expand my expertise in this field.


I am drawn to this position because it offers an opportunity to further develop my knowledge of human impact on vulnerable bird species, while supporting the success of your team. I believe my strong work ethic, quick learning ability, and dedication to wildlife conservation would benefit your program.


Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm for aquatic life can contribute to your team's efforts.


Sincerely,

Taylor Pettaway