William Zanella-Serrano
Lompoc,CA
Summary
Aquarist with expertise in water quality management and aquarium maintenance, optimizing life support systems for 3,000+ gallons. Developed 40+ S.O.P's to streamline training and enhance operational efficiency. Heading the organization of a replacement team to continue the strenuous care of the systems and animals in my absence.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer->Intern
Central Coast Aquarium
Avila Beach
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Improved tank aesthetics and cleanliness for 12 aquatic habitats, enhancing animal well-being by tailoring environments to their specific needs.
- Optimized the functionality of individual and main system media reactors by proactively replacing carbon and meticulously maintaining flow levels, resulting in a reduction in equipment downtime and a streamlined replacement schedule.
- Adeptly managed the preparation and feeding of animals, ensuring their individual dietary needs were met, as well as forming consistent patterns recognized by the animals during routine feeding times.
Water Quality Curator
Cabrillo High School Aquarium
Lompoc, California
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Spearheaded the maintenance and meticulous record-keeping of 2 primary life support systems and several independent systems, managing over 3,000 gallons of water to enhance animal safety and comfort.
- Created and refined over 40 S.O.P.s and user manuals (specifically relating to Water Quality), incorporating diagrams, photos, and tables, which streamlined training processes and reduced training time as well as enhancing user comprehension and efficiency.
- Dedicated over 300 hours of extra community service time to ensuring that the quality of water maintains standards of a salinity of 32ppt (±1), a nitrate level of sub 40ppm, and a phosphate level of sub .05ppm.
- Meticulously organized and instructed incoming aquarium science students for over 100 tours in ages ranging from (K-8th) grade. Managing Students in ranges of 10-30 people at a time, to ensure smooth and educational tours and labs in relation to the aquarium.
Education
Highschool Diploma - Marine Biology/Aquarium Science
Cabrillo High School
Lompoc, California01-2025
Skills
- Apex Systems
- RK2 Protein Skimmers
- Water Quality Testing
- Attention to detail
- Scuba Certification
- Aquatic Species Identification
Affiliations
Cabrillo High School Aquarium
Central Coast Aquarium
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Certification
Marine Science CTE Completion
Languages
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Volunteer->Intern
Central Coast Aquarium
06.2025 - 10.2025
Water Quality Curator
Cabrillo High School Aquarium
08.2021 - 06.2023
Highschool Diploma - Marine Biology/Aquarium Science
Cabrillo High School