Iliana Salazar
Colorado Springs
Summary
Enthusiastic and creative individual with the ability to adapt to any environment both on a personable and professional standpoint. Striving to always provide the best work in order to create a healthy work environment that also motivates others to come into work ready to start the day. Working in both ER veterinary medicine and the US Navy has provided me the tools to be one of the most efficient and flexible employees on a team.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Educator, Handler, and Feeder
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
11.2023 - Current
- Maintained safe and clean enclosure areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Developed strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations governing the ethical treatment of animals under zoo care standards and the AZA.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative guided tours, explaining animal behaviors and habitats.
- Improved animal welfare by implementing enrichment programs and providing specialized diets for various species.
- Educate the public about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats during presentations and events.
- Streamlined feeding schedules to accommodate dietary needs of diverse species, optimizing overall health.
- Assisted in the safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Assisted with the development of new enclosures or renovations by providing input on species-specific requirements and optimal exhibit design features.
- Assisted in successful breeding programs like S.S.P and S.A.F.E by closely monitoring animal behavior, health, and interactions.
- Trained new staff members in facility safety protocols and animal care standards, elevating team competency.
Veterinary Assistant 2
Humane Society Of The Pikes Peak Region
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Assisted senior staff with blood analyses and physical assessments.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Aided veterinary surgeon with spay and neuter surgeries and procedures for domestic and exotic species with complex requirements.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained kennels, operating rooms and surgical equipment.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
- Collected and prepared specimens and samples for outside laboratory analysis.
- Assisted veterinarian during surgical procedures by creating and maintaining unobstructive surgical fields and passing instruments.
- Provided clear and precise communication to other veterinary technicians and doctors to maintain fast paced work environment and to accomplish as much as possible.
- Re-kennel and properly care for animals to make sure they are stable from surgery and will be taken care of over night.
- Anesthesia monitoring including close monitoring of rabbits.
- Sufficiently prepping patients for surgery with proper sterilization procedures.
- Excellent skills in properly disinfecting any areas and making sure our surgery center is cleaned for the following day.
Engineer
United States Navy
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Conducted research to test and analyze feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components and systems.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings, schematics and computer-generated reports.
- Prepared remedial action plans for problematic processes and assets.
- Responded to technical concerns quickly and effectively devised solutions.
- Performed quality control procedures on equipment and materials.
- Diagnosed issues with high pressure, low pressure, diesel engines, and piping systems, and quickly repaired flaws to maintain functionality.
- Performed preventative maintenance to keep tools and equipment functional.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
- Prepared action plans for problematic processes.
- Coordinated sampling and analysis tasks to verify quality of finished products.
- Conducted research to test and analyze feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components, and systems.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.
Veterinary Technician
Powers Pet Emergency
08.2017 - 09.2019
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Performed ophthalmological procedures such as tear production testing, topical anesthetic application, fluorescein staining of cornea and tonometry.
- Interacted with clients regarding animal health, questions and concerns, education on treatment protocol and general procedures.
- Maintained daily progress records, surgery logs, x-ray logs, Drug Enforcement Administration logs and routine records.
- Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives, and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
Education
Master of Science - Botany
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO09-2028
Master of Science - Cultural Anthropology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ04-2027
Associate of Science - Plant Biology
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO03-2026
Veterinary Technician - Animal Sciences
Pima Medical Institute
Aurora, CO01.2019
Skills
- Corrective Actions
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Components Assembly
- Safety Procedures
- Maintenance Services
- Surgery and Procedure Preparation
- Emergency First Aid
- Post-Surgical Monitoring
- Physical Examinations
- Equipment and Instrument Sterilization
- Dental Procedures
- Laboratory Testing
Timeline
Animal Educator, Handler, and Feeder
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
11.2023 - Current
Veterinary Assistant 2
Humane Society Of The Pikes Peak Region
10.2022 - 11.2023
Engineer
United States Navy
01.2020 - 03.2023
Veterinary Technician
Powers Pet Emergency
08.2017 - 09.2019
Master of Science - Botany
Colorado State University
Master of Science - Cultural Anthropology
Arizona State University
Associate of Science - Plant Biology
Pikes Peak Community College
Veterinary Technician - Animal Sciences
Pima Medical Institute
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