Victoria Coss
Brookville,OH
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with a proven track record in animal care and education, demonstrated during my tenure at Wild Hearts African Farm. Excelled in teamwork, critical thinking, and conservation education, significantly enhancing animal welfare and public awareness. Recognized for outstanding collaboration and problem-solving abilities, earning accolades for exceptional service and commitment to ethical wildlife conservation practices.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Robyn's Nest Animal Rescue
08.2014 - 05.2023
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities for animals
- Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Communicated with potential adopters, answering their questions and addressing their concerns
- Provided companionship and comfort to animals in need of extra love and attention.
- Increased animal socialization by engaging in regular playtime sessions with both dogs and cats at the shelter.
- Monitored health of animals, reporting any issues to shelter staff for resolution.
- Helped with intake of newly surrendered animals, providing food, water and medical attention.
- Maintained detailed records of animal care and feeding schedules to track animal care and history.
Teacher's Aide Volunteer
Aullwood Audobin Center
06.2019 - 06.2019
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of activities.
- Ensured smooth transitions between activities by efficiently managing time and resources throughout each day.
- Educated children on knowledge of farm animals and equipment
Library Aide
Dayton Metron Library
08.2019 - Current
- Supported the creation of a positive learning environment by enforcing library rules and addressing any disruptive behavior promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with other library aides to create an efficient team dynamic and ensure smooth operations across all departments.
- Improved library organization by accurately shelving books and materials according to the Dewey Decimal System.
- Provided essential clerical support through tasks such as data entry, filing, processing interlibrary loans requests, and updating patron records.
- Enhanced patron satisfaction by assisting with research inquiries and locating requested materials.
- Assisted librarians with collection development by providing input on popular titles, community interests, or material gaps.
- Earned "Outstanding employee" award twice
Intern
Wild Hearts African Farm
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Provided daily nutrition to animals by preparing and distributing appropriate food portions according to species-specific needs.
- Maintained clean and safe living environments for animals by regularly cleaning enclosures and providing proper bedding materials.
- Assisted veterinarian with simple procedures (hoof and beak trimming)
- Monitored animal health to quickly recognize signs of illness and injury, seeking necessary medical attention.
- Maintained equipment and facility to keep animal care environment and tools in good working order.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow caretakers and support staff to ensure comprehensive care for all animals within the facility.
- Handled a variety of different species safely and confidently during routine care tasks such as feeding, grooming, medication administration, and enclosure maintenance.
- Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
- Conducted educational tours for visitors, increasing awareness about animal care and shelter operations.
Student Worker
Miami University Dining Services
10.2023 - Current
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Supported team members during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations and minimal wait times for customers.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Maintained safety standards by properly handling food and adhering to sanitation guidelines.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
Volunteer
Hefner Museum of Natural History
02.2024 - Current
- Worked with staff to research and implement live isopods
- Worked with staff to come up with habitat ideas in a limited space
- Learned how to effectively clean fish tank and monitor health of individuals
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Animal Care Intern
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Collaborated with team members to develop engaging enrichment activities, stimulating positive behaviors in animals.
- Expanded knowledge of species-specific needs through continuous professional development opportunities.
- Maintained accurate records of animal care activities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Provided personalized diet preparation for various species according to specific nutritional requirements.
- Reduced stress levels among animals by implementing appropriate handling techniques during routine procedures.
- Promoted public awareness of animal conservation efforts through educational presentations and demonstrations.
- Contributed to efficient facility operations by cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and habitats.
- Ensured safe interactions between visitors and animals through supervision during public events or tours.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices in wildlife conservation through adherence to established guidelines within intern role responsibilities.
- Enhanced animal welfare by monitoring health, observing behavior, and reporting concerns to supervisors.
- Documented animals' weight, size and condition in computer system for review by senior staff.
- Took animals out on educational programs and educated visitors on conservation and responsible pet ownership
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Zoology
Miami University
Oxford, OH05-2025
Skills
- Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organized and Efficient
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solver
- Passionate about conservation education
- Physical Fitness
- Customer Service
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Animal Care Intern
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
05.2024 - 08.2024
Volunteer
Hefner Museum of Natural History
02.2024 - Current
Student Worker
Miami University Dining Services
10.2023 - Current
Intern
Wild Hearts African Farm
05.2023 - 07.2023
Library Aide
Dayton Metron Library
08.2019 - Current
Teacher's Aide Volunteer
Aullwood Audobin Center
06.2019 - 06.2019
Volunteer
Robyn's Nest Animal Rescue
08.2014 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Zoology
Miami University
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