David Starr
Annapolis
Summary
Aquatic animal care professional with hands-on experience maintaining aquarium life support systems, managing water quality, and supporting fish health. Strong background in aquatic husbandry, quarantine protocols, and system maintenance, with a focus on animal welfare and conservation-minded practices. Experienced in maintaining stable aquatic environments, monitoring animal behavior, and contributing to public education and engagement.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Companion Animal Supervisor
Petco
10.2025 - Current
- Oversee aquatic animal husbandry and train staff.
- Identified signs of disease or stress in fish, implementing effective treatment and quarantine procedures to promote animal health.
- Trained staff on aquarium system maintenance and water quality standards, enhancing knowledge of aquatic animal care protocols.
- Maintained and monitored aquarium systems to ensure stable water chemistry and optimal filtration performance.
Aquarium Systems Technician (Owner/Operator)
Self Employed
09.2025 - Current
- Design, install, and maintain custom aquarium systems.
- Perform water quality testing and troubleshoot system issues.
- Implemented best practices for fish health, acclimation, and habitat sustainability to enhance ecosystem stability
- Provide client education on ecosystem balance and responsible aquatic care
Animal Care Operations Specialist
Petco
09.2024 - 10.2025
- Monitored aquatic animal health and supported treatment plans
- Facilitated fish acclimation and quarantine processes to reduce stress and prevent disease spread
- Performed routine aquarium maintenance, ensuring optimal water quality and system functionality
- Informed the public on responsible aquarium ownership and species compatibility to promote environmental stewardship
Volunteer Researcher
Anne Arundel Community College
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Assisted in field-based environmental research, focusing on vernal pool and species monitoring studies.
- Organized, analyzed, and reported data for research projects to enhance project outcomes.
- Collected ecological data to support biodiversity research projects.
Education
Associate's Degree - Transfer Biology
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 2101201-2025
Skills
- Aquatic Animal Husbandry & Welfare Monitoring
- Fish Health Management
- Medication & Treatment
- Quarantine
- Acclimation & Biosecurity Protocols
- Water Quality Analysis
- Water Testing Equipment
- Environmental Monitoring
- Data Collection
- Record Keeping & Reporting
- Habitat Maintenance & Environmental Enrichment
- Filtration Systems
- Life Support Systems Operation & Maintenance
- Team Leadership
- Public Education & Conservation Communication
- Animal Health Observation
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, Basic
Timeline
Companion Animal Supervisor
Petco
10.2025 - Current
Aquarium Systems Technician (Owner/Operator)
Self Employed
09.2025 - Current
Animal Care Operations Specialist
Petco
09.2024 - 10.2025
Volunteer Researcher
Anne Arundel Community College
10.2022 - 04.2023
Associate's Degree - Transfer Biology
Anne Arundel Community College