Tyler Massengill
Norfolk,United States
Summary
Highly-motivated animal care specialist with five years of professional experience in animal handling, husbandry, and safety. Proficient in data collection and entry, with a strong background in maintaining laboratory safety standards. Passionate about wildlife conservation and dedicated to the care of often overlooked or "unloved" animals, bringing both technical skills and genuine compassion to advancing animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ectotherm Keeper
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News, United States
06.2024 - Current
- Cleaned and maintained public and behind-the-scenes animal exhibits to ensure optimal health and welfare standards.
- Prepared specialized diets for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ectotherm species, following nutritional and safety protocols.
- Provided daily environmental enrichment to promote natural behaviors and overall animal well-being.
- Trained select species using positive reinforcement techniques to support husbandry and education goals.
- Educated the public about Virginia's native fish and other ectotherm species through interactive feeding programs and interpretive talks.
- Maintained accurate animal records using the ZIMS database for tracking health, behavior, and husbandry practices.
- Serviced and monitored aquatic life support systems to maintain proper water quality and habitat conditions.
Lab Assistant
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, United States
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided supportive activities in the operation of the lab, samples and related daily maintenance.
- Monitored inventory levels of laboratory supplies, identified shortages, and requested replacements when needed.
- Adhered to all safety protocols in each laboratory area.
- Assisted in the preparation of laboratory equipment and materials for experiments, including setting up apparatus according to instructions.
- Utilized appropriate cleanup and safety methods to mitigate hazardous material incidents.
Herptology Intern
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News, United States
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Worked with various species hands-on and delegated tasks to ensure they had proper care.
- Communicated with a variety of team members to organize tasks.
- Leveraged organizational skills to manage multiple tasks concurrently while meeting tight deadlines.
- Adapted research methods and approaches based on project needs and evolving circumstances.
Stable Manager
Merry Oaks Stables, LLC
Windsor, United States
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Overseeing the health, well-being, and general care of the horses in the facility. This includes managing feeding schedules, administering medications or supplements, coordinating veterinary and farrier visits, and monitoring overall horse condition.
- Hiring, training, and supervising stable staff, such as grooms, barn hands, and other support personnel. Assigning duties, managing schedules, and promoting a positive and efficient working environment.
- Overseeing pasture rotation, grazing schedules, and land management practices to maintain healthy pastures and optimal land use. Monitoring and controlling weeds, maintaining fences, and coordinating pasture maintenance activities.
- Providing support during veterinary and farrier visits. This may include safely holding horses for examinations, vaccinations, or hoof trimming/shoeing, as well as relaying important information about the horses' health or behavior to the professionals.
- Collaborating with other staff members, such as trainers, instructors, or stable managers, to ensure smooth operations and provide assistance as needed. This may involve assisting with lessons or training sessions, helping with horse transportation, or participating in special events or competitions held at the facility.
Freelance Photographer
Tyler Massengill Photography
05.2017 - 06.2023
- Interacting with clients to understand their photography needs, discussing project details, and providing cost estimates.
- Ensuring all necessary photography equipment, such as cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories, are prepared and in working order before each shoot.
- Sorting through the captured photos, selecting the best shots, and enhancing or retouching them using software tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This may involve adjusting colors, cropping, removing blemishes, or applying special effects if desired.
- Handling invoices, payments, and budgeting for your photography business. Keeping track of expenses, calculating profits, and maintaining financial records to ensure the smooth operation of your freelance business.
- Collaborating with clients to determine the shoot location, concept, and overall vision. This may involve scouting locations, arranging props or equipment, and organizing permits if required.
- Spending time in the field, often in remote and sometimes challenging environments, to observe and document wildlife. Practicing stealth and using camouflage techniques to approach wildlife without disturbing them.
Assistant Reptile Manager
Simply Pets
Chesapeake, United States
10.2020 - 08.2022
- Providing proper care and maintenance for the reptiles in the facility. This includes ensuring appropriate enclosures, temperature, lighting, humidity, and ventilation for each species. Monitoring and maintaining clean and sanitary conditions within the reptile habitats.
- Providing educational information about reptiles to visitors, guests, or the general public. Conducting presentations, workshops, or guided tours to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts. Answering questions, addressing concerns, and fostering positive interactions with reptiles.
- Overseeing a team of reptile keepers or assistants, including assigning tasks, providing training, and ensuring proper adherence to protocols and safety procedures. Conducting regular staff meetings, performance evaluations, and fostering a positive work environment.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Animal Health and Behavior
Unity Environmental University
Online12-2027
Associate's Degree - Biology, General
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA12.2024
High School Diploma -
Oviedo High School
Oviedo, FL05.2018
Skills
- Data entry
- Animal husbandry
- Laboratory safety
- Data management
- Attention to detail
- Problem resolution
- Animal behavior
- Animal welfare
- Dependable and responsible
- PPE compliance
- Nutrition planning
- Environmental enrichment
Certification
- Sensory Inclusive Certification
- FrogWatch Certification
- DFA for Professional Divers Certification
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Ectotherm Keeper
Virginia Living Museum
06.2024 - Current
Herptology Intern
Virginia Living Museum
09.2023 - 12.2023
Lab Assistant
Tidewater Community College
08.2023 - 06.2024
Stable Manager
Merry Oaks Stables, LLC
06.2022 - 09.2023
Assistant Reptile Manager
Simply Pets
10.2020 - 08.2022
Freelance Photographer
Tyler Massengill Photography
05.2017 - 06.2023
Bachelor's degree - Animal Health and Behavior
Unity Environmental University
Associate's Degree - Biology, General
Tidewater Community College
High School Diploma -
Oviedo High School
Similar Profiles
Jessica AusuraJessica Ausura
Senior Director, Guest Engagement and Revenue at Virginia Living Museum, TheSenior Director, Guest Engagement and Revenue at Virginia Living Museum, The
Samuel LagosSamuel Lagos
Pharmaceutical Research Intern at Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPharmaceutical Research Intern at Virginia Commonwealth University
AVA B A D A C HAVA B A D A C H
Event Server at Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsEvent Server at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Jordan PresleyJordan Presley
General Laborer at StaffzoneGeneral Laborer at Staffzone
Zenobia AndersonZenobia Anderson
Benefits Program Specialist II at City Of ChesapeakeBenefits Program Specialist II at City Of Chesapeake