Rachel Ayers Email & Phone Number

New York, United States

3135 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, Ny 10314

This role began as an entry level position, and my first experience working in a strictly veterinary setting. At the time I was a little over a year into my Vet Tech degree program so, as my education required, I was trained to perform more and more advanced skills as time went on. I was promoted to my current role in September 2021, replacing an LVT on the overnight shift. As an 'acting technician' I am primarily responsible for inpatient care, triages and outpatient care, as well as reception for the majority of the shift, with help from an assistant and the DVM. Working with such a small team has finely honed both my communication and interpersonal skills, as well as my nursing skills.

College Of Staten Island

Performed routine husbandry for 1000+ laboratory mice, rats, naked mole rats, pigeons, and frogs, and maintained animal welfare standards as required by IACUC and the USDA.Maintained breeding colonies of crickets and mealworms.Ensured experimental and control populations of mice and rats were given the correct treatments, preserving the integrity of the experimental results.Closely monitored post-surgical mice, rats, and naked mole rats for signs of distress, injury and infection.Recorded and reported any abnormal behavior or environmental changes in animal populations.Performed daily cleaning and minor maintenance throughout the facility in accordance with IACUC, USDA, and DOH requirements.

Staten Island Zoo

Temporary seasonal position.Performed daily routine husbandry for a variety of domestic hoofstock, birds, and tame exotics.Trained various species (emu, kangaroo, sheep, groundhog, game birds/fowl, etc.) through positive reinforcement to perform behaviors that both increased their handleability and provided enrichment.Routinely educated the public by answering on-the-spot questions about specific animals and the facility, as well as with scheduled animal presentations for school classes.Maintained standards of animal welfare and facility cleanliness above AZA and USDA requirements at all times.Kept strict daily records of animal food intake, as well as any changes in animal behavior or environment.Performed minor maintenance to exhibits and zoo grounds when necessary, including seasonal weatherproofing.

College Of Staten Island

Temporary position.Performed routine husbandry for 1000+ laboratory mice, rats, naked mole rats, pigeons, and frogs, and maintained animal welfare standards as required by IACUC and the USDA.Maintained breeding colonies of crickets and mealworms.Ensured experimental and control populations of mice and rats were given the correct treatments, preserving the integrity of the experimental results.Closely monitored post-surgical mice, rats, and naked mole rats for signs of distress, injury and infection.Recorded and reported any abnormal behavior or environmental changes in animal populations.Performed daily cleaning and minor maintenance throughout the facility in accordance with IACUC, USDA, and DOH requirements.

Faber Pool

Seasonal position, from June-September.Maintained continuous surveillance of patrons in the pool and on the pool deck.Ensured that all patrons were using the facility safely and corrected those who were not.Performed rescues and first aid when needed.Inspected rescue and safety equipment daily and performed maintenance if necessary in accordance with Health Department regulations.Trained and supervised new lifeguards.

Lyons Pool

Seasonal position, from June-September.Maintained continuous surveillance of patrons in the pool and on the pool deck.Ensured that all patrons were using the facility safely and corrected those who were not.Performed rescues and first aid when needed.Inspected rescue and safety equipment daily and performed maintenance if necessary in accordance with Health Department regulations.Trained and supervised new lifeguards.

Veterinary Technician, Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician And Veterinary Assistant, 4.0

Bachelor’S Degree, Biology, 3.1

High School Diploma