Experience

Tees Rivers Trust

• United Kingdom
• Environmental Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Coordinator

  • Jan 2021 - Present

  Project outlineThe aim of this project is to create a long-term self-sustaining biological control system for two of the most abundant and problematic invasive non-native plants within the Tees catchment area. This project will create the beginnings of a more sustainable, cost effective and efficient method of controlling these invasive plants compared to traditional manual and chemical control strategies. Once biocontrol agents become established, the infected areas will act as natural sources of dispersal to other areas affected by Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed throughout the catchment.

• Project Officer

  • Apr 2019 - Present

  Project outlineThe purpose of this project is to promote and celebrate the natural and historic heritage of the River Tees. The integrity and enjoyment of the natural environment is currently threatened by an increasing abundance of giant hogweed, an introduced invasive non-native species. Giant hogweed creates large mono-cultures which adversely affects the biodiversity of an area. It is also phototoxic; the sap is able to cause severe burns to exposed skin. This project will take a whole catchment approach to managing this issue through a process of intelligence gathering, direct action, education and restoration. It will slow and reverse the loss of biodiversity caused by the spread of giant hogweed throughout the Tees catchment and increase river access and amenity value. The project will also monitor and where necessary, aid regeneration of native flora.Licences & Certifications:PA1, PA6AW, PA6INJ PA2a - City & GuildsLevel 2 Award in Sit Astride All-Terrain Vehicle Handling - City & GuildsNational General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety - NEBOSH Powerboat level 2 - Royal Yachting AssociationMarine Radio Short Range - Royal Yachting AssociationCommercial Remote Pilot Qualification (CRPQ) - Civil Aviation Authority



Fera Science Ltd.

• United Kingdom
• Environmental Services
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Senior animal technician

  • Sep 2017 - Nov 2018

  Provided team day to day supervision to a group of animal technicians performing animal husbandry, animal welfare tasks and regulated procedures on animals.Participated in internal and external audits as required.Ensured own work and work of others was performed in accordance with appropriate Health and Safety, quality and compliance standards e.g. HSE, GLP and animal welfare.Lead and developed as a species specialist advising and presenting care and welfare refinements.Developed new and innovative techniques and methodologies applying the 3Rs.Proactively maintained own records of training competency and continued professional development.Home Office Personal Individual Licence holder.Competent with current expertise at performing regulated procedures on a variety of species in compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Effectively interpreted study plans ensuring compliance with the project licence and Home Office regulations and scheduled daily activities to meet customer requirements.Created and managed databases regarding animal health and study information.Anticipated and resolved problems offering solutions and managed risk.Worked flexibly across different areas and participated in the provision of weekend and out of hours support.



South Lakes Safari Zoo

• United Kingdom
• Entertainment
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Carnivore and primate keeper

  • Nov 2014 - Dec 2015

  Responsible for husbandry of a variety species including carnivores, primates, birds and reptiles.Assisted in veterinary procedures and distributed medicine when necessary. Assisted in the development and upkeep of positive reinforcement programmes for big cat species.Directly involved with internal and external animal transfers, including Sumatran tigers and lemurs.Implemented appropriate environmental enrichment for differing species.Demonstrated safe working practices and biosecurity measures.Supervised volunteers and trained new animals carers.Contributed towards education, media and marketing initiatives in the form of public talks, supervised feeding and animal experiences.Enthused visitors and promoted conservation and animal welfare initiatives to the general public raising funds for wildlife charities.Participated in Zoo licence inspections and audits as required.Species responsible for: Sumatran tiger, African lion, Jaguar, Sri Lankan leopard, Snow leopard, Arctic Wolf, spectacled bear, Giant Otter, Maned Wolf, lowland tapir, Colombian spider monkey, Capuchin, squirrel monkey, ring-tailed lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, red ruffed lemur, white-belted ruffed lemur, brown lemur, black lemur, Alaotran gentle lemur, Andean condors, king vultures, black vultures, turkey vultures, white faced whistling duck, Inca tern