Leanna Rodriguez

Experience

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  Boy Scouts of America

  Jun 2006 - Aug 2006

  Summer Camp Director of Ecology and Conservation Program

  Directed ecology program and supervised staff, succcesfully helped scouts complete merit badges and lead interpretive walks

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  Anibal Rodriguez, LLC

  Jan 2009 - Dec 2012

  Organic Material Analysis Assitant

  -Continuously being trained to accurately identify ivory, bone, horn, wood and other related materials, -assit with consultation visits for clients to identify animal and plant material in thier collections and advise properly as it relates to the rules and regulation set by CITIES and enforced by the US Fish and Wildlife

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  The Briad Group

  Sept 2009 - Jun 2012

  Server/ Bartender

  Maintained a high energy, fun environment while focusing on guests needs, work well in high pressure situations

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  Wildlife Conservation Society

  May 2011 - Jun 2012

  -2007 & 2011 Summer Teaching Fellow- facilitated instructors for on-site zoo camp summerprogram for ages 4-12-Taught on-site school programs focusing on the environment, wildlife and conservation for grades K- 12 following New York State Science Learning Standards-Facilitated birthday parties and overnight activities and lessons for campers and families-Handled and presented a variety of animals from the Bronx Zoo’s tractable animal collectionthat included various species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and invertebratesAnimals included but not limited to: Fennec fox, Guinea pig, rabbit, armadillo, Alligator, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Ball Python, Tenrec, Ferrets-Interpreted exhibits, assisted in lesson plan and materials development and general office work_______________________________________________________________________________The Conservation Education Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for college students, recent graduates, and graduate students to explore conservation education in depth. Fellows study global conservation issues and learn the skills they'll need to foster a wildlife classroom that invites student-directed learning. Particular emphasis is placed on our organization's efforts to protect wildlife and wild lands. The Bronx Zoo’s award-winning Education Department is dedicated to teaching youngsters and adults about wildlife and wild habitats through engaging, interactive zoo programs. Our offerings for adults, families, children, and teens include guided tours, family overnights, summer programs, and opportunities to meet zoo experts and get an insider’s look at our animals and exhibits. Show less -worked with the trainers in Sea Cliffs Division that houses fur seals, harbor seals, California sea lions, Black footed penguins and sea otters-Assisted in diet preparation such as fish pulls, weighing, and cutting-Cleaned indoor and out door enclosures, cleaned freezer and food preparation area, replaced foot baths- Assisted in Blackfooted penguin diet records-Provided enrichment, observed behavior and feedings-participated in occasional feedings _______________________________________________________________________________The New York Aquarium is a 14 acre living museum that presents to our visitors living treasures that once lost can never be recreated. The aquarium provides an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family to enjoy. Pacific walruses, sandtiger sharks, sea otters, and 10,000 other species call this place home. Show less

  • Bronx Zoo Conservation Education Fellow

    Jun 2011 - Jun 2012

  • Sea Cliff Division Volunteer New York Aquarium

    May 2011 - Jun 2012
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  Wildlife Conservation Society

  Apr 2013 - Jul 2013

  Special Animal Exhibits Associate

  Help maintain basic care health and safety of wildlife and domestics in Special Animal Exhibits.

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  Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

  Sept 2014 - Jan 2015

  Urban Barcode Research Program- Harlem DNA High school Lab Mentor

  -Guided high school students and assisted with project design; research proposal, fieldwork and/or sample collection, DNA isolation, amplification of DNA barcoding regions, and analysis of DNA sequences_______________________________________________________________________________The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP), science education initiative to engage high school students to study biodiversity in NYC using DNA technology. Students complete introductory workshops and then conduct independent, student-driven research projects using DNA barcoding under expert mentorship. The UBRP enables students to gain knowledge, confidence, and interest in science while studying the interaction between biodiversity and human activity. Show less

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  Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

  Feb 2015 - Feb 2016

  Exotic Cat Intern

  -Assisted in the care of over 100 animals that included tigers, lions, cougars, bobcats, African servals, leopards, black bears, a Rhesus macaque, a Grizzly bear, coatimundi, coyote, and hoof stock-Daily habitat and enclosure maintenance included but not limited to cleaning, mowing, and construction-Provided tours and 'Keeper Talks' to guests-s Focusing on the treats to big cats in the wild, issues with the exotic pet trade and back yard breeders and natural history -Prepared meat and fruit for feedings, restocked and rotated meat in storage-Strictly adhered to all feeding and safety protocols set by the curator and management team-Prepared and distributed medications-Created and provided taste, visual, tactile and olfactory enrichment-Maintained detailed daily record keeping of food prepared, animal diets, meat inventory, medications, enrichment behavior, and habitat and health concerns  -Helped transport animals that were sedated for veterinary procedures and/ or relocation to new enclosures_______________________________________________________________________________Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge's mission is to provide a lifetime refuge for all rescued animals with the care, safety, and well being of the animals being the number one priority. TCWF focus is to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on Tigers, Lions, Leopards, and Cougars. This animal care facility offers care to the wildlife they rescue. They work with other organization to maintain high standards, assist in successful rescues and to stay current with issues. The animal care staff and interns are have strong backgrounds in the biological sciences, animal welfare, environmental issues, animal behavior and veterinary medicine. Show less

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  NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

  Jun 2016 - Aug 2016

  Assistant Urban Park Ranger

  -Dates at this position : June 2012- January 2013 (7 months) , Summer 2014 & 2016. Total Commitment of 13 months-Responded to animal reports in order to relocate, transport and/or facilitate the rehabilitation of local wildlife in parks-Patrolled area and enforced rules and regulations of city parks-Led scheduled and impromptu programs for park patrons, school groups and summer camps that included plant identification, wildlife viewing, local and natural history, camping skills and canoeing-Taught school groups with indoor and outdoor portions, K-8, using the ‘The Natural Classroom’ lessons plans set by NYC Parks Dept.-Created lesson plans and activities, provided ideas and created supplemental material and learning tools-Instructor for the Ranger Conservation Corp, an urban environmental internship for high school students that encouraged them to observe wildlife, restore natural areas and implement the scientific method-Logged information for Custom Adventure Programs and communicated with schools to ensure successful program-Eagerly returned to this seasonal position and accepted an extension during first summer season into the fall-Outdoor educator and ambassador for New York City’s green spaces_______________________________________________________________________________The Urban Park Rangers connect New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation.NYC Park Rangers welcome school children and their teachers through The Natural Classroom, high school students through the Ranger Conservation Corps, families and adults through Weekend Adventures, and groups looking for team building opportunities through the Adventure Course and Custom Adventures. New York City parks are home to 15 Urban Park Ranger Nature Centers. Each serves as an in park community center for public education, recreational activities, and environmental studies. Show less

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  Ifaw

  Sept 2016 - Apr 2017

  Marine Mammal Stranding Response Intern

  -Assist in rescue efforts as needed which includes monitoring, data and photo recording, capture, restraint, disentanglement, transportation, and release of animal-Assist in Level A data collection -Assist in data entry of reports, case files, sample collection, photos, videos and various other documentations-Clean, organize and prepare stranding response gear and equipment-Operate stranding hotline and dispatch volunteers-Assist in necropsies to assess cause of deathHighlights:-Facilitated the rescue and release after several mass strandings ( including 17 Atlantic white sided dolphins) -Participated in seal sedation and disentanglement efforts -Assisted in the rescue and transport of a pregnant manatee in the Cape Cod area _________________________________________________Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program. IFAW is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is a federally authorized response program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Respond to live and dead marine mammal reports throughout Cape Cod, MA. Associated and works with other Marine Mammal/Aquatic Animal rescues (Atlantic coast Stranding Network) to ensure best outcome for rescue and release operations. Show less

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  NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

  Mar 2020 - Aug 2020

  Deputy Site Manager

  In collaboration with GET FOOD NYC, NYC Emergency Management, I stepped in to manage a food distribution site that was created in response to the food insecurity pandemic response efforts. ⋅ Assisted in overseeing daily site operations⋅ Trained staff on distribution and safety protocols set by the NYC Emergency management⋅ Ensured food was properly loaded and daily routes were dispatched⋅ Monitored and tracked routes dispatched, number of meals delivered, and driver information⋅ Resolved mobile application issues for drivers and staff⋅ Supported staff with training and food inventory updates⋅ Worked closely with Army National Guard, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYS Department ofTransportation, Department of Sanitation, AmeriCorps, and NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Show less

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  NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

  Jun 2021 - Sept 2021

  Seasonal Sergeant (Associate Urban Park Ranger)

  -Step up seasonal Sergeant for Nature Adventure Guides -Trained and Supervised Bronx and Queens staff on public outreach, outdoor education, and nature center programing-implemented Covid 19 safety measures -reported daily engagement data and weekly updates to supervision

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  NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

  May 2022 - now

  ⋅ Lead educational programs to various age groups within NYC Parks⋅ Create lesson plans, activities, and supplemental materials focusing on inquiry and place-based learning⋅ Rescue and transport injured wildlife to partnered organizations throughout the cityHighlights:⋅ Women in Leadership Facilitator Team (2022)⋅ Borough Lead for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion working group (2021)⋅ Partnership Facilitator for Coastal Classroom, City Parks Foundation 2019⋅ Public Programs Summit 2019- assisted Presenters Team in acquiring, communicating with, andaccommodating needs of presenters⋅ Coordinated and led internal trainings- AMNH Collections 2019, DEP Watershed 2020, Parks Academy (Feb 2020) and cross trained seasonal staff⋅ Teen Internship Ranger Conservation Corps Instructor 2021 Show less ⋅ Supervised summer interpretive seasonal staff in Queens and Bronx, NY⋅ Reviewed resumes, conducted interviews and selected hires with NYC Parks administration⋅ Worked in coordination with borough supervisors to schedule programs, staff nature centers andtransportation⋅ Trained seasonal staff on NYC Parks protocols, standards and outdoor interpretive techniques⋅ Provided weekly updates, documented daily engagement numbers, attended weekly supervisory meetings,advised staff on daily programs and operations Show less

  • Urban Park Ranger

    Feb 2018 - now

  • Sergeant (Associate Urban Park Ranger)

    May 2022 - Sept 2022