Raymond A. Saumure, Ph.D. 🇺🇸🇨🇦 Email & Phone Number

Las Vegas, Nv, Us

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Independently manage high-profile projects that require innovative solutions. Regularly write and edit various documents related to environmental planning, permitting, monitoring, mitigation and compliance, as well as manage research and conservation projects. • Chaired Biological Working Group and negotiated, wrote, and edited monitoring programs for indicator species with federal and state agencies for a $3 billion groundwater development project.• Wrote, edited, and/or reviewed various permitting and regulatory documents including Environmental Impact Statement, Biological Assessment, Habitat Conservation Plan, Safe Harbor Agreement, Landowner Cooperative Agreement, and Long-Term Operating Plan.• Wrote grant request, project description, and plan of development for multi-million dollar pipeline project for state fish hatchery.• Advised Bureau of Land Management Muddy River Floodplain Restoration Project.• Planned, permitted, and managed successful multi-agency rewilding efforts and obtained federal funding to expand the project. • Served as scientific advisor for the design of a new Science and Sustainability Museum gallery.• Mentor co-workers in writing, submitting, and revising scientific publications.

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Founded and direct an environmental consulting firm that primarily subcontracts for data management on large-scale threatened Desert Tortoise translocation projects for solar energy developments and military base expansions. • Gemini Solar Project (2018 – Present): Tortoise data management for $1 billion 690MW integrated solar photovoltaic and battery storage facility on 7,100 acres in southern Nevada, the largest in the USA. • Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (2012 – Present): Surveyed firing range for tortoises prior to live fire exercises. Data management for the translocation of 1,100 tortoises prior to base expansion and subsequent tracking and health monitoring. • Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (2011 – 2018): Tortoise data management for $2.2 billion 392MW concentrated solar thermal plant on 3,500 acres in southeastern California, the second largest in the world. • Fort Irwin (2008 – 2012): Tortoise data management for National Training Center Southern Expansion Area.

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

As a member of the Springs Preserve leadership team, helped design, build, and open a $250 million 180-acre urban park that preserves the birthplace of Las Vegas. The Preserve is comprised of LEED Platinum museums, a botanical garden, and 110-acre natural area with interpretive trail system. Managed $1.3 million annual research budget.• Supervised and directed exhibit contractors during 2-year construction phase. Reviewed construction and design blueprints for all museum galleries, a veterinary clinic, animal exhibits, as well as wrote, edited, and provided photos for interpretive signage.• Designed and supervised the construction of $250,000 Animal Biosafety Level II quarantine facility, including layout, surface materials, electrical design, lighting, and furnishings.• Awarded several grants to build a pond system within the historic Las Vegas Creek, a 15-acre fenced Desert Tortoise habitat, and the purchase and installation of raptor protectors. • Achieved ISO 14001 environmental management system certification.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Completed PhD dissertation and defense. See Education Section for more details.

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

As part of the aquarium leadership team, opened and operated a $50 million for-profit aquarium managed by the Vancouver Aquarium and owned by Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Managed $240,000 annual research and conservation budget.• Solved complex animal care and staff safety issues by inventing new tools and procedures to protect and contain dangerous species as well as staff. Published one crocodilian containment method that is now used worldwide.• Resolved complex international and state permitting issues for the acquisition of federally protected species such as crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and sea turtles.• Lead a successful Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation effort, the first and only accredited facility in Nevada. Wrote, compiled, and edited the accreditation application. • Wrote, compiled, and edited a comprehensive “Procedures and Protocol Manual” that covered standard operating procedures from animal husbandry to filtration and facility security.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Managed the husbandry of a diverse collection of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds in five unique ecosystems at Espace pour la vie.• Implemented innovative solutions to complex husbandry issues, ensuring the well-being of various species like Poison Dart Frogs, River Otters, and Hyacinth Macaws.• Collaborated with a team to create enrichment programs for animals, promoting natural behaviors and enhancing visitor experiences.• Simultaneously pursued PHD at McGill University.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Used novel educational methods to engage and entertain the public, while explaining complex ecological processes within five ecosystems.• Developed superior educational abilities while teaching eight hours / day for four years.• Worked with all age groups in settings ranging from impromptu discussions and classroom presentations to guided VIP and technical tours of the facility.• Simultaneously pursued and completed M.Sc. at McGill University.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Wildlife Biology

I conducted seminal research on the impact of agricultural practices on the North American Wood Turtle. My research led to adaptive.

Master'S Degree, Wildlife Biology

I compared population age structure, growth, and rates of injuries between populations of North American Wood Turtles inhabiting.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs

Published four natural history notes during my undergraduate degree: Saumure, R.A. 1993. Rana clamitans (Green Frog). Albinism..