Melissa Goodman
West Vancouver,Canada
Summary
Skilled and enthusiastic ecological restoration graduate with over a decade of experience in wildlife rehabilitation, embarking on a career in conservation biology. Passionate about protecting biodiversity by implementing conservation practices to restore compromised ecosystems. Proficient in scientific data collection, analysis, and reporting. Proven ability to promote awareness of environmental and social issues. Equally adept in the field and the office with several years of administrative experience in legal and educational settings.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Coordinator, Lands and Resources/Referrals
Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation
01.2025 - Current
- Determines potential environmental and archaeological impacts of proposed development projects, policies or plans on kʷikʷəƛ̓əm's Indigenous rights, title and interests including assessing cumulative impacts and future implications and providing impact/benefit analysis where required
- Reviews and analyzes referrals submitted by Crown governments, agencies, and proponents
- Analyzes environmental and resource management aspects of referrals to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards
- Represents kʷikʷəƛ̓əm's on project files and builds relationships with external agencies and proponents
- Prepares reports and recommendations based on assessments
- Critiques the processes of assessment and contribute solutions for improvement
- Examines the proposed project, plan or policy from a holistic view that considers history, cumulative impacts, and power dynamics
- Negotiates with proponents to uphold kʷikʷəƛ̓əm's values and conservation from their perspective
Animal Keeper
Greater Vancouver Zoo
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Led daily care for a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, ensuring compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards for ethical animal treatment
- Prepared and delivered specialized diets for both carnivorous and herbivorous species, optimizing nutrition based on species-specific needs
- Conducted detailed health assessments, monitored animal behavior and physical condition, and provided actionable recommendations for veterinary follow-up
- Enhanced animal welfare through innovative enrichment activities, fostering mental stimulation
- Spearheaded public educational demonstrations, engaging guests to promote conservation awareness and deepen their appreciation of wildlife
- Upheld rigorous sanitation protocols for enclosures, pools, and service areas, ensuring a safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors
- Designed and maintained habitats tailored to the ecological and behavioral needs of each species under my care, ensuring optimal animal welfare and environmental enrichment
- Maintained consistent and accurate records of animals and facility operations
- Trained and supervised new keeper staff
Museum Interpreter
Vancouver Maritime Museum
09.2022 - 04.2024
- Developed and delivered engaging, informative tours, provided accurate and timely updates on attractions and exhibits, and fostered positive visitor experiences through dynamic presentations and ongoing knowledge enhancement
Visitor Services Attendant
Vancouver Maritime Museum
09.2021 - 03.2024
- Ensured exceptional visitor experiences by providing engaging site information, maintaining exhibit safety and cleanliness, processing transactions, managing records, and professionally addressing inquiries and concerns
Conservation Programs Assistant, BC Projects
Wildlife Preservation Canada
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Engaged in fieldwork, including population monitoring, habitat assessment, and the rescue of turtle nests from unsuitable areas in Agassiz, BC
- Assisted with the ex-situ rearing of western painted turtles, Oregon spotted frogs, and Taylor's checkerspot butterflies
- Conducted animal husbandry for hundreds of individuals across all life stages—from egg, tadpole, and larval care to juvenile and adult management
- Supported species reproduction efforts by overseeing frog mating and care, and assisting with butterfly breeding and rearing
- Collaborated with the Lead Biologist to refine research practices and optimize butterfly larvae output
- Delivered bi-weekly presentations and trained co-op students in animal care and husbandry techniques
Conservation Assistant
Wildlife Preservation Canada
12.2023 - 05.2023
- Assisted with offsite conservation efforts by feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the behaviour of western painted turtles and Oregon spotted frogs at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
- Monitored the breeding population of frogs during the breeding season, moving new egg masses to floating bins, checking the health of breeding frogs, and relocating frogs in amplexus to tubs for egg-laying
Education Assistant
Vancouver Maritime Museum
08.2022 - 08.2022
- Designed and led inclusive, week-long camp programs by supervising activities, fostering collaboration and respect, managing budgets and supplies, ensuring safety, resolving conflicts, and maintaining clear communication with participants and their families
Legal Assistant
Richard Ledding Law Corporation
09.2019 - 08.2021
- Collaborated on complex legal cases, managed client records and filings, drafted and reviewed legal documents, facilitated real estate transactions, scheduled appointments, and supported lawyers with administrative and client-facing tasks while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism while meeting strict deadlines
Coordinator, Office of the Registrar
Alexander College
04.2018 - 09.2019
- Liaised with faculty and students to address institutional challenges, developed student-focused policies, guided course selection and academic adjustments, processed admissions and graduation documents, and resolved academic and personal concerns to support student success
Admissions Officer
Alexander College
06.2016 - 04.2018
- Processed student applications and records, advised on admissions and academic issues, collaborated with faculty and staff to address institutional challenges, developed a new registration database, and supported the Associate Registrar with special projects
Office and Records Clerk
Alexander College
09.2015 - 06.2016
- Maintained and organized student records, processed document orders, resolved filing discrepancies, assisted with medical insurance applications, created animation videos for campus events, and produced reports and correspondence using Microsoft Office
Laboratory Supervisor (Student Position)
Simon Fraser University
07.2015 - 09.2015
- Analyzed and documented archaeological specimens, developed a new typology system for birch bark basket classification, and submitted findings to enhance site research records
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecological Restoration
British Columbia Institute of Technology
05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology, English
Simon Fraser University
05.2015
Skills
- Wildlife Stewardship and Animal Welfare
- Environmental Assessment
- Ecological Restoration
- Species-at-Risk Conservation
- Ecosystem Mapping
- Wildlife Salvage
- Leadership and Supervision
- Technical Writing and Critical Thinking
- Project Management
- Data Management and Analysis
Volunteer Experience - Other
Rotaract Club of New Westminster, 08/2013 - 07/2017
President (2015-2017)
Vice President (2014-2015)
- Demonstrated leadership, fundraising, and community outreach skills through organizing and managing various events, including environmental cleanups, fundraising for education, homelessness, animal welfare, and children's charities, raising significant amounts for causes such as #AGirlAKAYear, UGM's Homelessness Outreach, and KidSport New West
Keatley Creek Archaeological Site, 07/2013-08/2014
Field and Laboratory Assistant
- Sorted and identified stone tool fragments, archaeological plant material, and conducted flotation samples at the lab and during fieldwork at the archaeology site near Lillooet, B.C.
Accomplishments
- Received Rotary Presidential Citation Award (2017)
- Received Rotary Presidential Citation Award (2016)
- Rotary Youth Leadership Award - North America (2014)
Certification
- Biologist-in-Training, BIT #5229 (2024)
- Environmental DNA Training (2023)
- Occupational First Aid Workshop, Level 1 (2018)
- Certificate in Human Rights (Honour Roll), Peace Operations Training Institute (2017)
Technical Writing and Research
Purfleet Point, Annacis Island, B.C. (2023-2024)
BCIT: Applied Restoration Project
- Led a year-long wetland restoration effort to enhance breeding and overwintering habitat for the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) and rearing habitat for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) on Annacis Island
- Our proposal was ultimately selected by Raincoast Conservation for implementation
Ramsay Creek, Burnaby, B.C. (2022)
BCIT: Term project in fulfillment of course requirements for RENR 7007: Planning for Ecological Restoration
- Co-wrote an enhancement plan for improving salmonid habitat in Ramsay Creek
- Conducted water quality assessments, Fish Habitat Assessment Procedures, and identified and mapped invasive and native plant species
Professional Speaking Experience
- Delegate, Young Diplomats Forum, London, UK (2018)
- Delegate, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, North America (2014)
Timeline
Project Coordinator, Lands and Resources/Referrals
Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation
01.2025 - Current
Animal Keeper
Greater Vancouver Zoo
12.2023 - 01.2025
Conservation Assistant
Wildlife Preservation Canada
12.2023 - 05.2023
Conservation Programs Assistant, BC Projects
Wildlife Preservation Canada
05.2023 - 08.2023
Museum Interpreter
Vancouver Maritime Museum
09.2022 - 04.2024
Education Assistant
Vancouver Maritime Museum
08.2022 - 08.2022
Visitor Services Attendant
Vancouver Maritime Museum
09.2021 - 03.2024
Legal Assistant
Richard Ledding Law Corporation
09.2019 - 08.2021
Coordinator, Office of the Registrar
Alexander College
04.2018 - 09.2019
Admissions Officer
Alexander College
06.2016 - 04.2018
Office and Records Clerk
Alexander College
09.2015 - 06.2016
Laboratory Supervisor (Student Position)
Simon Fraser University
07.2015 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology, English
Simon Fraser University
Bachelor of Science - Ecological Restoration
British Columbia Institute of Technology