ZANDER RESSEL
Dallas,TX
Summary
Experienced animal husbandry specialist with a diverse background in caring for reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Skilled in life support systems, data management, record keeping, habitat enhancement, and delivering educational presentations to various audiences.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Aquarist
Dallas Children's Aquarium
06.2024 - Current
- Monitoring and maintaining aquatic animal habitats to ensure optimal living conditions and prevent any health issues at AZA accredited facility.
- Handling multiple potentially dangerous animals including venomous in a safe and secure manor
- Conducted daily animal diet preparations and water quality testing.
- Boosted visitor engagement with interactive presentations on marine life and conservation efforts.
- Maintained and operated aquarium life support systems.
- Collaborated with team members to develop enrichment activities for improved animal welfare and mental stimulation.
- Evaluated current husbandry practices regularly, recommending updates or adjustments based on industry advancements.
- Responded to emergencies, providing first aid to injured animals and implementing preventive measures for future incidents.
- Streamlined daily operations with efficient scheduling of feeding times, tank cleanings, and routine maintenance tasks.
- Monitored animal health, identifying signs of illness or stress, and coordinated with veterinary staff for appropriate care.
Aquarist
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
07.2021 - 05.2024
- Monitoring and maintaining aquatic animal habitats to ensure optimal living conditions and prevent any health issues at AZA accredited facility.
- Designing and implementing animal diets and changing them as needed for animal health.
- Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury and communicated concerns to Senior Aquarist staff and veterinarian.
- Educational presentations for a wide array of sizes and ages.
- Design and implement enrichment programs for aquatic animals to promote their physical and mental well-being.
- Implementing and maintaining effective quarantine protocols for new animals.
- Conduct regular water quality testing and maintain optimal water conditions for well-being of aquatic animals.
- Develop and implement comprehensive animal training program to enhance interaction fot aquatic animals, promoting education and conservation efforts.
- Keeping up to date and precise animal care records in written and computerized format (TRACKS).
- Conduct research and stay up-to-date on latest advances in animal care and husbandry techniques to ensure highest standards of animal welfare and health.
- Assist in Veterinary procedures and keep detailed and accurate medical records.
- Completed multiple SCUBA dives in vast verity of temperatures and environments.
- Perform necropsy on multiple aquatic species.
- Designed and fabricated multiple pieces of aquarium decor and structure.
- Organized, Inventoried, and in charge of aquarist work shop and tool bench.
- Maintaining and keeping clean back areas.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
Assistant Animal Care Manager
Little Ray's Nature Centre
10.2016 - 06.2021
- Monitored and documented animal behavior to determine overall health and happiness and reported significant changes to aid in proper care at a CAZA certified zoo
- Proper food handling of balanced diets and nutrition of multiple animal species
- Handled potentially dangerous animal species including venomous in safe and secure manner, using protective equipment
- Completed preventative maintenance and mechanical repairs on equipment
- Data management and writing detailed observation reports on animal welfare using online software
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Preforming educational presentations to vast array of age's and group sizes
- Worked flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
Research Assistant
Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
03.2016 - 09.2020
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation to support research findings
- Contribute to development of research methodologies and protocol
- Assist in planning and implementation of research studies
- Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data for research studies
- Assist in organizing and maintaining data records and databases
- Helped team meet regulatory requirements by coordinating documentation and filings
- Entered data into Microsoft Excel, modeled results and generated reports.
Education
Fish and Wildlife Technologies - Biology
Fleming College
Lindsay, Ontario05.2015
Skills
- Animal Husbandry
- Public Speaking and Education
- Working with teams or individually
- Veterinary Procedure's
- Keen Observation Skills
- Data Management
- Animal Safety and Handling
- Record Keeping Proficiency
- Problem Solving
References
David Fraser
Curator: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Fraser@ripleys.com
226-979-7211
Chris Copeland
Assistant Manager: Dallas Children's Aquarium
972-834-2198
Paul "Little Ray" Goulet
Director/Founder: Little Ray's Nature Centre
613-822-8924
Timeline
Aquarist
Dallas Children's Aquarium
06.2024 - Current
Aquarist
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
07.2021 - 05.2024
Assistant Animal Care Manager
Little Ray's Nature Centre
10.2016 - 06.2021
Research Assistant
Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
03.2016 - 09.2020
Fish and Wildlife Technologies - Biology
Fleming College
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