Heidi Garbe Email & Phone Number

Facilitated multiple diverse projects in support of internal agency needs, from emergency management planning to instituting software solutions across multiple departments.

Directed large-scale department rebuilding initiatives, including the creation of new processes, programs, staffing, and training. Elevated and propelled program capabilities by creating comprehensive data-driven systems that improved operational capacity and transparency. Fostered innovative program management that advanced animal welfare and rebranded adoption options in the equine field. Built structure, leadership, and compassion into every element of this unique rescue work. Collaborated nationally with other animal rescues and funding agencies to leverage and advance solutions for horses needing homes. Worked across organizations for networking and creative program development.

Coordinated development and administration of educational website (Drupal - https://www.urbancoyoteresearch.com) on wildlife research topics and presented material in formal talks. Provided executive assistance to research program director, including production of reports from grant activities.

Houston, Texas

Inspired Zoo guests, volunteers, and staff to support environmental initiatives. Coordinated over 1,000 adult and group volunteers in various roles (exhibit work, education, special events, etc.), as well as over 100 teens, and 50 interns yearly. Offered leadership in recruitment of interns and other volunteer positions to connect the next generation of wildlife caretakers with opportunities. Supported continuing education, activities, and evaluations to advance volunteer knowledge base.

St. Charles, Il

Teacher of marsh ecology and forest programs to elementary age students in local schools, utilizing my background in wildlife and interest in environmental work.

Illinois

Managed research studying urban wildlife trends in the Chicago metroplex. Responsible for total overhauling and rebuilding of department structure and protocols. Other tasks involved data management, hiring and managing staff, tending to administrative duties, budgeting/grant administration, and managing/participating in field research. Provided leadership within small non-profit organization and collaborated with other organizations to reach goals. Focus of research primarily on coyotes, mesocarnivores, and deer, but included small mammals and herps. Field work encompassed remote camera surveys, ground surveys, live trapping/animal processing, and radio-telemetry tracking. Review of scientific literature and analysis/reporting of data. Public liaison for mitigating wildlife conflicts and creation of outreach materials (including website development).

Field investigator for a remote, equine contraceptive drug trial, providing comprehensive data management, detailed project analysis, coordination of field technicians and their training, on a project involving over 100 wild equines covering 46,000 acres. Work involved locating herds off-trail, physical evaluations, and behavioral observations using detailed ethograms. Supplied extensive project leadership and assisted in editing resulting paper.

Animal husbandry technician with experience in training (including in cardiac/pregnancy ultrasounds), enrichment, behavioral research, biological lab testing, team-building, grant-writing, and site management. Primary responsibilities involved care of primates - including great apes - but also African hoofstock. Involved in wildlife surveys and educational outreach presentations, supporting positive guest experiences. Continuing participant in endocrinology research (see previous position). Designed SOPs and ensured areas routinely met USDA-influenced/AZA standards. Promoted from temporary, to hourly, to salaried status within two years.

Orlando, Florida Area

Provided support for the endangered Key Largo woodrat rehabilitation project through maintenance of surveillance equipment, behavioral observations, breeding recommendations, and data entry. Supplied project organization and development. Aided in endocrinology research by collecting, cataloging, preparing, and processing biological samples. Assisted in maintaining lab equipment, inventoried and ordered lab supplies, and prepared solutions needed for research. Educated park guests on conservation initiatives and current research through formal and informal, routine and impromptu presentations.

Field technician in avian research. Captured wild birds using mist nets to track the presence of disease. Maintained organization between remote governmental and academic agencies. Navigated to remote areas using aerial and other maps to document nesting locations and determine reproductive success rates of Sandhill cranes. Worked with landowners to secure permission to study animals on private lands.

Aid in research regarding toxicology in marsh/stream ecosystems. Analyzed environmental and invertebrate samples, performed water quality assessment tests (composition, pH, conductivity, etc.), and conducted independent research.

B.S., Animal Science

Activities and Societies: Equestrian Team, Rodeo Club, The Wildlife Society, Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Zeta, The Leadership Center

Biology