Animal Welfare Technician - Prairie Paws Animal Shelter - Manhattan, Kansas
(2026-01 - 2026-07)
- Provided daily diets based on individual requirements, administer veterinary prescribed medications and treatments, and facilitate socialization, exercise, and enrichment.
- Utilized in-house software alongside Microsoft Office Suite to conduct administrative operations including adoptions, returns and surrenders, reclaims, and record-keeping of veterinary documents.
- Conducted animal intake procedures, including behavioral and medical assessment, administration of basic vaccines, and recording of animal details with in-house software.
- Engaged with social media and the general public regarding adoptions, stray animals, education on animal welfare, and advertisement of upcoming shelter events.
- Managed scheduling, and assisted with operations of high-volume, bi-weekly spay/neuter, vaccination, and Trap-Neuter-Release clinics, in conjunction with daily tasks.
Senior Animal Response Officer - City of Manhattan, Kansas - Manhattan, Kansas
(2021-05 - 2026-01)
- De-escalated dangerous situations including vicious animal emergencies, citizens experiencing personal crises, and animal rescue/recovery from natural and man-made disasters.
- Responded to urgent wildlife and domestic animal-related incidents, including injured animals, habitat conflicts, and exotic species containment.
- Conducted field assessments of animal behavior and environmental hazards; performed public education on safe wildlife interaction and conservation law.
- Worked with multiple state departments (KS Dept. of Ag., KS Dept. of Vet. Med.) to report and contain the spread of zoonotic diseases. Followed state protocols for testing and disposal of disease vectors.
- Collaborated with legal and environmental departments to develop humane response protocols and revise animal ordinances.
- Documented field reports and assisted with emergency coordination, ensuring compliance with public safety standards.
- Fostered positive engagement with the community on responsible pet ownership and urban wildlife coexistence. Represented the City of Manhattan at community outreach events in an official capacity.
Exotic Animal Care Intern - The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Boyd, Texas
(2020-06 - 2020-09)
- Provided daily care, enrichment, and observation reporting for large carnivores including tigers, bears, wolves, and other endangered wildlife.
- Constructed a custom habitat den for a jaguar, integrating behavioral and environmental needs into the design.
- Participated in habitat repair, animal tracking, and sanctuary operations including donation logistics.
- Assisted with dietary preparation and medication delivery while monitoring behavioral health.
Winter Internship - Sunset Zoological Park - Manhattan, KS
(2019-12 - 2020-01)
- Assisted with daily husbandry, feeding, and enrichment for ambassador and zoo animals.
- Utilized operant conditioning techniques to train an endangered Amur Leopard in voluntary blood draw behaviors, reducing sedation needs and improving welfare-focused veterinary care.
- Conducted demographic surveys to inform visitor programming and community engagement strategies.
