Christylee Tonkin
Bridgewater,Australia
Summary
Professional leader with proven track record in guiding teams to achieve goals. Skilled in project management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Known for fostering collaboration and adapting to evolving needs. Effective communicator with focus on driving results and ensuring team success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Leader/Intern coordinator
Rescate Wildlife Sanctuary
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Setting up a new internship program in the remote location of Playa San Josecito, Costa Rica
- Rehabilitation and release of various native birds and squirrel Monkeys
- Foraging for natural foods for prerelease animals
- Flight training for prerelease native birds
- Catching and release of native birds
- Arranging for boat transportation for the interns coming in and out
- Fortnightly shopping for the camp
- Camera trap setup and review
- Animal monitoring before release and after release
- Diving and snorkelling for reef cleaning
- Writing up and performing the training plans for hand injection Jaguar and Puma
- Introduction monitoring for various species
- Diet preparation and feeding Macaws
- Natural enrichment plan and construct for various animals in the sanctuary
- Mentoring interns coming into the program
- Presentations on enrichment, welfare and training to the interns
- Snake enclosure designs and preparations
- Snake and Reptile cleaning and feeding
- Setting up an herb garden
- Developed strong working relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration on projects.
- Evaluated risks associated with assigned projects, taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential issues before they escalated into major problems.
- Enhanced communication between team members through regular meetings and progress updates.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support for their professional development.
Zoo Keeper
Zoos SA and Perth Zoological Park
01.2012 - 01.2024
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Minimized stress on animals during routine husbandry tasks by employing low-stress handling techniques based on each species unique characteristics.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
- Promoted a positive work environment by effectively communicating with team members, participating in staff meetings, and working collaboratively to achieve department goals.
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing visitor concerns or answering questions related to zoo operations or specific animals on display.
- Educated the public about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats during presentations and events.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Assisted with the development of new exhibits or renovations by providing input on species-specific requirements and optimal exhibit design features.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Worked closely with curatorial staff to ensure accurate recordkeeping of daily activities including feeding, cleaning, and medical treatments.
- Assisted in successful breeding programs by closely monitoring animal behaviour, health, and interactions.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current on best practices in animal care within the zoological community.
- Facilitated volunteer training sessions to improve knowledge of proper handling techniques and general safety protocols around animals.
- Contributed to research projects focused on animal behaviour, reproductive success, or environmental factors affecting species populations.
- Conducted behavioural observations to inform management decisions regarding exhibit design, animal compatibility, and overall wellbeing.
- Ensured compliance with animal welfare laws and accreditation standards, maintaining zoo's reputable status.
- Managed inventory of food supplies and care equipment, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness.
- Implemented waste management system to reduce environmental impact of zoo operations.
- Conducted daily health checks for early detection of potential health issues, ensuring timely veterinary care.
- Conducted guided tours, offering insightful stories about animals to enhance visitor satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained habitat enclosures to mimic natural environments, promoting healthier animal behaviours.
- Trained new staff members in zoo safety protocols and animal care standards, elevating team competency.
- Enrichment planning, daily preparations and working closely with volunteers
- Computer skills, using Microsoft office for writing and updating the round Safety operation procedures, animal routine round manuals, training plan, online courses, communications through emails
- Communications and working a long side with other departments
- Behavioural observations and records for various species
- Catching wallabies for pouch checks and handling of native animals for welfare checks
- Pest control
- Handling rifle in a safe manner nd ongoing target practice
- Fire system check
- Developing and implementing welfare training plans for various species
- Implemented and written Safety procedures for various areas
- Multiple media interviews
- Involved in the development of animal tours and experiences
- Enrichment committee member
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Conservation surveys in Kangaroo Island, wild release of the Black flanked wallaby
- Hand raising various species
Rescue Officer/Inspector/Customer Service Officer
RSPCA SA
01.2007 - 01.2013
- During my time working with the RSPCA I was trained on all aspects of the organisation from operating the switchboard and managing and recording of incoming reports to rescue and inspection field work
- Customer and Operational services, maintaining the inbound and outbound calls
- Tracking and maintaining communication/movement logs of staff and equipment
- Data entry, recording, assigning and managing public reports of animal cruelty or injury through emails, phone calls and letters
- Liaise with other emergency services- police, fire services and primary industries, with regards to shared activities
- Animals handling and restraint always following the safety operation procedures
- Inspect, manage and resolve field cases of sick or injured animals
- Assisting aid to the public and offering educational advice with animal welfare, nutrition, behaviour and training
- Maintaining clean and sterile work environment including kennels, cattery, food prep areas and rescue vehicles
- Knowledge of canine and feline behaviours
- Appointed First Aid Officer
- Promoted to in Field Inspector
Veterinarian Nurse
Moorong Veterinary Clinic
01.2006 - 01.2006
- Administration duties
- Communicated with pet owners regarding pet diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
- Sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments
- Managed inventory of medications and supplies to ensure adequate stock levels while minimizing waste or expiration of products.
- Teamed with other veterinarians in large mixed practice to deliver care services.
- Managed medication administration, dispensed prescriptions and replenished inventory, carefully accounting for controlled substances.
- Educated pet owners on proper care techniques, such as diet, exercise, and preventative medicine.
- Maintained a high standard of cleanliness within the clinic facility by adhering to strict sanitation protocols.
Education
High School Certificate
Kelso High School
Bathurst, NSW12-1997
JSS TAFE Animal Care Course - Animal Health
Bathurst TAFE College
Bathurst, NSW05-1997
Certificate III Zoo Keeping -
Ultimo TAFE College
Sydney, NSW12-2004
Canine Training
Legacy Canine Training And Behaviour
Adelaide04-2014
Bob Bailey Animal Training Workshop - undefined
Adelaide Zoo
01.2017
Animal Behaviour and Welfare - undefined
The University of Edinburgh
01.2019
Certificate III Conservation and Land Management - undefined
Tafe SA
01.2020
Skills
- Coaching and mentoring
- Creative problem solving
- Stakeholder engagement
- Proficient in orchestrating discussions
- Effective team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Verbal and written communication
Species Worked With
- Natives:
- Bettongs, Bilby, Black Flanked Wallaby, Bustard, Curlew, Emu, Koala, Mallee Fowl, Potoroo, Sleepy Lizard, Stick Insect, Tammar, Tasmanian Devil, Western Swamp Tortoise, Wombat, Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby and Quokkas
- Exotics:
- Addax, Bison, Binturong, Blackbuck, Barbary Sheep, Black Rhinoceros, Bongo, Camel, Cheetah, Chimpanzee, Clouded Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Deer, Eland, Asian and Africa Elephant, Giraffe, Golden Cat, Greater Grison, Fishing Cat, Jaguar, Kodiak Bear, Lion, Macaw, Meerkat, Ocelot, Ostrich, Oryx, African Painted Dog, Przewalski Horse, Amazon Parrot, White crowned Parrot, Puma, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Squirrel Monkey, Sumatran Tiger, Sun Bear, Tayra, Tapir, Tree Shrew, Water Buck, White Rhinoceros and Zebra
Timeline
Team Leader/Intern coordinator
Rescate Wildlife Sanctuary
06.2024 - 12.2024
Zoo Keeper
Zoos SA and Perth Zoological Park
01.2012 - 01.2024
Rescue Officer/Inspector/Customer Service Officer
RSPCA SA
01.2007 - 01.2013
Veterinarian Nurse
Moorong Veterinary Clinic
01.2006 - 01.2006
Bob Bailey Animal Training Workshop - undefined
Adelaide Zoo
Animal Behaviour and Welfare - undefined
The University of Edinburgh
Certificate III Conservation and Land Management - undefined
Tafe SA
High School Certificate
Kelso High School
JSS TAFE Animal Care Course - Animal Health
Bathurst TAFE College
Certificate III Zoo Keeping -
Ultimo TAFE College
Canine Training
Legacy Canine Training And Behaviour
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