Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Emely Blanco

Santa Ana

Summary

Motivated and detail-oriented wildlife and animal care professional with over 600 hours of hands-on experience caring for mammals, birds, and reptiles. Strong background in species behavior monitoring, enrichment, data entry, and public education. Skilled in handling diverse animal species, preparing specialized diets, maintaining clean enclosures, and observing health and behavior for documentation. Passionate about conservation and eager to support wildlife field research and habitat assessments for federally protected species. Physically fit and comfortable working in rugged outdoor environments.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Youth Development Professional

Boys And Girls Club Of Garden Grove
08.2022 - Current
  • Provide a safe and structured environment for at-risk youth
  • Model positive behavior, encourage teamwork, and lead group activities
  • Support student development through engaging lessons and enrichment programs
  • Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team setting

Animal Husbandry Volunteer – Mammals & Birds

Aquarium of the Pacific
10.2023 - Current

* Assist with daily care of seals, penguins, reptiles, and other birds

* Conduct behavior observations and report abnormalities to staff

* Support feeding routines, thaw/prep frozen diets, and clean enclosures

* Create and provide species-specific enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors

* Participate in seal training shows and assist with animal movement and health checks

* Handle ambassador reptiles for public presentations

Sea Otter Surrogacy Program Volunteer

Aquarium of the Pacific
12.2024 - Current

* Support care of non-releasable otters and releasable orphaned pups

* Clean holding areas, assist with feeding, and monitor behavior using ethograms

  • Help during medical exams and training sessions
  • Create enrichment toys to stimulate natural behaviors

Education Volunteer – Exhibit Interpreter

Aquarium of the Pacific
04.2023 - 10.2023

*Interpreted marine exhibits and provided public education on animal biology

* Maintained safety of animals and guests in interactive spaces (touch pools)

* Explained ecological roles of native species and conservation efforts

Pet Care Associate

Petsmart
02.2017 - 08.2020

* Provided daily care to dogs and cats, including feeding, bathing, and play supervision

* Cleaned kennels and monitored pets for signs of stress or illness

* Communicated with clients and maintained grooming and boarding records

Education

Marine Biology

California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
12-2022

Associate of Arts - Teacher Education

Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
06-2020

Skills

    * Wildlife Observation & Behavior Monitoring

    * Animal Handling (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles)

    * Data Entry & Ethogram Creation

    * Animal Enrichment & Husbandry

    * Enclosure Sanitation & Diet Prep

    * Field Safety & Protocol Adherence

    * Team Collaboration & Communication

    * Bilingual: Fluent in English & Spanish

Timeline

Sea Otter Surrogacy Program Volunteer

Aquarium of the Pacific
12.2024 - Current

Animal Husbandry Volunteer – Mammals & Birds

Aquarium of the Pacific
10.2023 - Current

Education Volunteer – Exhibit Interpreter

Aquarium of the Pacific
04.2023 - 10.2023

Youth Development Professional

Boys And Girls Club Of Garden Grove
08.2022 - Current

Pet Care Associate

Petsmart
02.2017 - 08.2020

Marine Biology

California State University, Fullerton

Associate of Arts - Teacher Education

Irvine Valley College
Emely Blanco