Kevin Blakely

Experience

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  Eastman Kodak Company

  Jan 1987 - Dec 2012

  Graphic Design / Digital Imaging Artist (Photoshop)

  Imaging / Marketing Services - Specializing in digital image photography, retouching and manipulation for use in product marketing, sales and packaging. Extensive experience in the use of Photoshop on both Mac and Windows platforms. Trained in all aspects of photo lab workflow from photography to editing to printing to mounting to shipping and many jobs in-between. Extensive experience in the design and implementation of large format displays for use in trade shows and environmental informational displays. Ability to quickly learn new tasks, equipment and software is one of my greatest strengths. Show less

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  Cup Lites Racing Series

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2009

  Director of Communications / Race Director

  After participating in this racing series for 5 seasons I became part of the organizations management, first as an on-track official and webmaster, later promoted to Race Director and eventually handling all aspects of their corporate communications.Accomplishments- Created, maintained and updated the series web site.- Created and moderated an online forum.- Wrote and distributed press releases.- Scheduled, organized and in some cases transported at-track officials.- Calculated weekly results and point standings.- Assisted in rules updates and rule book creation.- Wrote, produced and hosted a weekly podcast.- Master of ceremony for two awards banquets.The participation in auto racing provided invaluable training for so many disciplins, not only from the technical aspects of driving, maintaining a team and a car from week to week, but also the creation of marketing and sponsorship proposals and the precise communications needed to organize 30 race teams and officials on a weekly basis. Show less

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  Aquarium of Niagara

  Mar 2009 - Dec 2017

  Aquarist II

  After being involved with the marine aquarium hobby for over 20 years I decided to volunteer at the Aquarium of Niagara. After recognizing my passion and dedication to learn everything I could about the animals and my willingness to apply my other skills as a graphic artist and photographer, I was hired as a part-time Aquarist. I now help care for a vast collection of aquatic life and their life support systems, as well as a colony of Humboldt Penguins.Duties: • Food preparation and feeding of all specimens on exhibit and in holding areas.• Maintain exhibit aesthetics by maintaining viewing surface, adding and removing specimens and maintaining proper lighting.• Maintain life support systems, monitoring equipment performance and troubleshooting, repairing and replacing equipment as necessary.• Maintain water quality. This includes testing, vacuum and water changes.• Observe and report animal health issues.• Maintain digital records for feeding amounts, vitamin/medication administration and exhibit maintenance/repair.• Oversee specimen transport, acclimation and introduction into exhibits.• Participate in Penguin encounters with aquarium guests.• Assist with training, education and media relations. May include training of volunteers and interns and presentations for tours.In addition to the basic aquarist duties, I manage additional aquaculture projects including the research, design and construction of systems to raise seahorse fry, as well as systems to raise related food items such as Artemia, copepods and pytoplankton.Additional duties include participation in exhibit design, messaging and infographics, static and interactive video displays, photography, fund raising and social media marketing. Show less

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  Seneca Park Zoo Society

  Feb 2013 - now

  Zookeeper, Lead Penguin Care Staff

  As a zookeeper, I am responsible for the daily care and feeding of a variety of exotic animals, as well as 650 gallon coral reef exhibit. My primary focus and love is for the colony of over 30 African Black-footed Penguins. This colony is consistently one of the top breeding colonies in North America and I'm proud to be part of the husbandry team. In addition to Penguins, I'm also certified to care for our Polar Bears, Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards, Southern White Rhino, Ringtail Lemurs, Tamarin Monkeys and a variety of birds including Umbrella Cockatoo, African Gray Parrot, Senegal Parrot, Sun Conures, Swainson Lorikeet, Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Sandhill Cranes, King Vultures, Turkey Vultures and our Aviary collection. Show less

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  The American Association of Zoo Keepers

  Jan 2019 - now

  President - Seneca Park Zoo Chapter

  AAZK - American Association of Zoo Keepers is a nonprofit volunteer organization (U.S. 501C3) made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. Local chapters of AAZK are found throughout the entire nation with approximately 96 chapters in total. AAZK is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship.The Seneca Park Zoo chapter, based in Rochester NY, has been active since 1999 and has donated thousands of dollars to more than a dozen different conservation organizations including Health in Harmony, Bowling for Rhinos, Polar Bear International, Snow Leopard Trust, Gunung Palung Orangutan Project, Southern Africa Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), International Animal Rescue, UC Berkeley Hyena Research, Turtle Survival Alliance, and locally the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society. Show less