Carmen DeLeon

Experience

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  California Wood Duck Program

  Mar 2004 - Jun 2009

  Field Assistant and Crew Leader

  • Recorded detailed field notes, banded hens, web tagged ducklings, collected blood samples, and measured eggs, ducklings, and hens. • Research assistant for study assessing levels of stress and predator avoidance through periodic behavioral testing. • Ensured safety of undergraduate field crew and instructed proper techniques for bird handling, banding, and data collection.

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  Exploratorium

  Jun 2004 - Sept 2004

  Life Sciences Laboratory Assistant
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  Girl Scouts Heart of Central California

  Jun 2005 - Aug 2005

  Assistant Unit Leader
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  California Academy of Sciences

  Jun 2006 - Sept 2006

  Systematic Biology Intern, Ornithology and Mammalogy
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  UC Davis Internship and Career Center

  Sept 2006 - Jun 2008

  Peer Advisor
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  California Raptor Center

  Jan 2007 - Jun 2008

  Volunteer
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  UC Davis Campus Veterinary Services

  Sept 2007 - Jun 2008

  Intern
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  Golden Gate Raptor Observatory

  Jun 2008 - Jan 2009

  Migration Assistant

  • Collaborate with 250 adult citizen science volunteers of diverse academic backgrounds, ages, and interests to inspire preservation of California raptor populations.• Teach bird identification, biology, and migration information to national park visitors and K-12 students with study skins and live raptor release demonstrations.• Train, mentor, and supervise new volunteers during team trainings and in the field. • Prioritize bird safety, data collection, and volunteer safety in banding blinds to lure and trap accipiters, hawks, and falcons with active and passive traps.• Apply bands according to North American Bird Banding Laboratory code of ethics.• Accurately take metrics for tarsus, hallux, weight, culmen, and wing. • Identify and count migratory raptors from fixed point survey site, record and enter index of raptor activity data. Show less

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  California Waterfowl Association

  Jan 2009 - Jun 2009

  Environmental Education Associate

  • Taught waterfowl and wetland conservation through hands-on outreach presentations to kindergarten through eighth grade classes to promote Junior Duck Stamp art contest. • Scheduled programs, maintained educational materials, and tracked event data. • Led wetland walks and hands-on science explorations for outdoor field trip activities.

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  Explorit Science Center

  Jun 2009 - Aug 2011

  Education Specialist

  • Developed and delivered hands-on science lessons for preschool through fifth grade summer science classes, field trips, and outreach programs.• Communicated with teachers to schedule programs and meet science content standards.• Provided a welcoming and educational guest experience for museum visitors through animal encounters and exhibit interpretation.• Performed daily husbandry duties for education animals (fish, invertebrates, reptiles).• Developed and coordinated undergraduate college student internship program. • Recruited and mentored undergraduate interns pursuing careers in science education.• Created and maintained exhibits for family science outreach program serving 18 counties.• Maintained, presented, and improved Girl Scout badge and overnight science programs. Show less

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  Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center

  Aug 2011 - May 2012

  Naturalist Intern
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  Explorit Science Center

  May 2012 - Aug 2012

  Education Specialist
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  University of Idaho

  Aug 2012 - Dec 2013

  Graduate Student and AmeriCorps Member

  Certificate in Environmental Education and MS in Natural Resources- Led canoeing, hiking, and snowshoeing for 5th-6th grade students in residential outdoor school where learners engaged in place-based science discovery exploring forests, alpine lake, grasslands, and wetlands.- Facilitated experiences for students to learn field ecology tools and data collection for measuring water quality, soil composition, vegetation, and animal identification.- Supported open-ended research projects by providing opportunities for students to develop and pursue their own scientific questions about the local ecology. - Coached students through the scientific process of developing methods, collecting and analyzing data with a culminating poster or PowerPoint presentation.- Summer teaching practicum at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge: Created exhibits and activities for the visitor center and outreach booth encouraging refuge guests to engage in non-consumptive wildlife activities through crafts and nature observation. Show less

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  Fundamentals Education and Childcare Center

  Jan 2014 - Dec 2014

  Science Educator and Preschool Teaching Assistant
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  NatureBridge

  Jan 2015 - May 2017

  • Lead hikes tailored to teacher requests for K-12 Next Generation Science Standard with themes: marine science, plants, animals, geology, watersheds, and climate change.• Nurture student growth for stewarding better selves, stronger communities, and care for the environment through active problem solving and place-based discovery.• Embrace learner-directed moments on the dynamic trails of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to foster curiosity about the natural world.• Proven track record for executing day and evening outdoor activities with excellent risk management mindset and appropriate application of wilderness first aid. Show less

  • Laboratory Steward and Education Assistant

    Sept 2015 - May 2017

  • Environmental Science Educator

    Jan 2015 - Sept 2015
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  Lindsay Wildlife Experience

  May 2017 - May 2019

  Educator and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

  - Created and led classes to train & mentor volunteers in skills for animal handling, museum interpretation, and inquiry-based teaching techniques. - Scaffolded monthly volunteer meetings including professional enrichment opportunities and collaborative conversations with museum staff in all departments. - Directed and provided tactful feedback to volunteer teams creating revised school programs aligned to Next Generation Science Standards in life and environmental sciences. - Leveraged professional and community connections to recruit new volunteers and respond to inquiries from potential volunteers in a timely and courteous manner. - Collaborated with fellow volunteer coordinators to record hours and recognize volunteers for service through social gatherings, thoughtful gifts, and outings to local nature organizations. - Reviewed and updated education website with current lesson plans and program resources. - Led guided explorations about wildlife adaptations, healthy habitats, and human impacts for a variety of community festivals and special event programs on and off-site. - Facilitated exhibit hall shows with live animals, taxidermy specimens, and hands-on science activities that focus on biology, California habitats, and human impacts on the environment.- Followed routines for positive reinforcement training with birds and small mammals.- Curated seasonal natural history displays with animal specimens, bones, rocks, and plants.- Coordinate seasonal special events including installing eco-friendly decorations, preparing and serving sustainable snacks, writing wine tasting notes, organizing interdepartmental volunteer teams, and creating pop up exhibits. Show less

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  CuriOdyssey

  Jun 2019 - Jun 2022

  STEM Education Specialist

  - Curriculum development and volunteer training for a new afterschool program that connects Boys & Girls Club members with diverse role models in STEM-related careers to build social capital and break down barriers to success in academic science classes.-Develop and deliver curriculum exploring nature, art, physics, and wildlife conservation for camps, classes, and public programs serving preschool through middle school youth.-Scaffold an inclusive learning environment with respect for individual learners as capable problem-solvers and future leaders in critical thinking. Show less

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  Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

  Jun 2022 - now

  Conservation and Community Science Program Coordinator