Chels Hothem

Experience

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  The Ohio State University

  Jan 2014 - May 2017

  Initiated and led the immensely successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over $1,000 to taxidermy OSU’s famous unofficial mascot, Afroduck.Responsible for maintaining the preparation lab by keeping workspaces clean, taking inventory of supplies, and moving newly skinned specimens into the collection.Other curatorial duties: processing loans, creating specimen tags, promoting the museum, participating in public outreach events, skinning birds, geolocating specimens, imaging specimens, entering information into databases, and writing blog posts. Show less

  • Volunteer Lab Assistant

    Apr 2016 - May 2017

  • Student Curatorial Assistant

    Sept 2015 - May 2017

  • Volunteer Lab Assistant

    Jan 2014 - May 2016
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  Xanterra Parks & Resorts

  May 2017 - Sept 2017

  Wrangler

  Lead multiple back-country trail rides each day with up to twenty guests on horseback of all ages and levels of experience in all weather conditionsProvided entertaining, educational, and engaging commentary on the history, ecology, and geology of Yellowstone during horse-drawn wagon rides and trail rides while monitoring the safety of all guestsInvolved in all aspects of day-to-day corral operation, including care for over 100 horses, proper time management of multiple incoming and outgoing rides, and safety speeches for incoming riders Show less

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  Aquarium Adventure Columbus

  Oct 2017 - Oct 2018

  Aquatic Hobbies Specialist

  Provided excellent customer service by advising and educating customers on proper aquarium care and maintenance in a friendly and energetic mannerResolved customer complaints, provided troubleshooting for customers on a variety of issues, and offered merchandise recommendationsMaintained aquariums for dozens of aquatic species with unique care requirements, stocked and organized inventory, and completed a wide range of store upkeep tasks

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  Ohio River Foundation

  Mar 2018 - Oct 2018

  Lead Educator & Event Coordinator

  Led the Columbus team of River Explorer educators by training, scheduling, and supervising staff, supervising field trips, managing activity timetables, ensuring the safety of student participants, and serving as the point of contact for school staff and leadersTaught innovative, inquiry based, outdoor learning-labs for school children grades 4th through 12th that were uniquely tailored for different age levels and involved hands-on activities in local rivers and creeks using field grade equipment and live specimensCoordinated, marketed, and oversaw the foundation’s first iteration of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio in partnership with the Gateway Film Center, a world class independent movie theater, to raise awareness of environmental issues Show less

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  Ohio Nature Education

  Apr 2018 - Oct 2018

  Animal Care & Educational Program Intern

  Taught engaging and educational nature programs for groups of children and adults using live animals and study specimens to foster appreciation for local wildlife and challenge common misconceptions about the natural world. Implemented care plan for over sixty non-releasable wild animals including birds of prey, mammals, and reptiles while adhering to safety protocols and keeping detailed records.Facilitated interactive learning by fielding questions and comments from adults and children of all backgrounds during public outreach events and nature displays at venues like the Ohio State Fair, public libraries, and local retailers. Show less

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  Applied Ecological Services

  Oct 2018 - Sept 2020

  Ecosystem Restoration Supervisor

  Oversaw the statewide implementation of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) on all permanent Wetland Reserve Easements in Ohio for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Managed the restoration, wetland construction, and vegetation install on all permanent easements in the state of OhioPerformed post-construction surveys, assisted in the creation of as-built plans, and finalized documents to be sent to the appropriate state officialsHired and supervised subcontractors for each aspect of the restoration process and ensures all work is completed to NRCS standardsCommunicated with multiple stakeholders including state NRCS officials, district conservationists, landowners, and contractors to ensure successful completion of tasks and projects Show less

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  Hill End Outdoor Education Centre

  Jun 2021 - Sept 2021

  Outdoor Tutor

  Delivered unique outdoor learning sessions for kids and adults on topics like natural habitats, wildlife, survival skills, and teamworkLiaised with teachers and school administrators to ensure learning objectives are achieved and learners with special needs are accommodatedConfidently led large groups of children between ages 5 to 18 in all weather conditions while managing various equipment and working around various other groups also using the site

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  River Thame Conservation Trust

  Oct 2021 - now

  Project Officer

  Manages, develops, and coordinates RTCT’s volunteer engagement projects and citizen science programmes. Writes, designs, and leads Trust communications including: social media, website, quarterly newsletter, and press interactionsOrganises the gathering and analysis of citizen science and other data to monitor changes across the catchments and to report to funders and stakeholders.Leads volunteers in outdoor habitat improve work by implementing all necessary health and safety practisesCoordinates and leads citizen science training events for local volunteers of all agesBuilds relationships with landowners, farmers, partner organisations, community groups and other stakeholders relevant to successfully delivering projects to meet RTCT objectives.Plays a key role in leading, planning and delivering a range of projects relating to habitat enhancement/restoration, water quality improvement and biodiversity in the River Thame and other local catchments.Secures funding for Trust activities through grant writing and developing partnerships with other organisations Show less