Lois Maisie Butler
Walsall
Summary
Master's level graduate from University of Wolverhampton with MRes in Wildlife Conservation, achieving merit grade. Extensive knowledge acquired through practical fieldwork, laboratory work, and academic research. Currently employed as a Learning Support Assistant at Sandwell College, providing support to students with additional needs across all subjects, with a strong focus on the Animal Care department. Previous experience as Zookeeper at Dudley Zoo, responsible for animal care, husbandry, and educational outreach, with hands-on experience with species including Bornean orangutans, yellow-breasted capuchins, lemur spp., Bactrian camels, and various invertebrates.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Learning Support Assistant
Sandwell College
West Bromwich, Sandwell
2024.09 - 2026.03
- Assist students with EHCPs in completing college assignments.
- Provide tailored classroom support that aligns with each student's additional needs.
- Motivate students to excel academically while attending to their welfare.
- Assisted in creating lesson materials, improving educational effectiveness.
- Adapted teaching approach according to students' unique needs, achieving better comprehension.
Graduate Animal Care Learning Coach
Sandwell College
West Bromwich, Sandwell
2023.08 - 2024.06
- Carry out small group or individual subject interventions for pupils needing extra support.
- Manage pupils’ behaviour during lessons and encourage positive learning choices.
- Help students to achieve their full potential.
- Reinforced positive behaviour in classrooms, fostering a respectful and disciplined environment.
- Mentored students on time management and study habits improvement.
Zookeeper (Primate and Farm sections)
Dudley Zoo & Castle
Dudley
2020.10 - 2023.08
- Assisted in animal husbandry tasks including feeding, cleaning, conducting health checks and providing enrichment activities for animals.
- Followed health and safety procedures to ensure safe interaction with animals and proper handling of cleaning chemicals.
- Provided informative talks and experiences to visitors, improving public understanding of conservation issues.
- Assisted in veterinary procedures, ensuring proper care and recovery.
- Safeguarded visitor safety by enforcing zoo rules and guidelines effectively.
Customer Service Assistant
Dudley Zoo & Castle
Dudley
2018.05 - 2020.10
- Assisted in hosting zookeeper experience days for children aged 8-13.
- Demonstrated health and safety procedures in areas such as working with lorikeets and safeguarding in children's activities.
- Gained experience in animal handling techniques during public presentations to educate and entertain.
- Communicated effectively with colleagues to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Prioritised tasks during busy periods for maximised productivity .
Womenswear Sales Advisor
House of Fraser
Wolverhampton
2017.07 - 2018.05
- Managed stock presentation to enhance customer perception of business.
- Provided personalised customer service to address individual needs.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to achieve common goals.
- Worked extended hours during holiday season managing high customer footfall.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, maintaining company reputation.
Home Sales Assistant
Boundary Mill Stores
Walsall
2016.06 - 2017.05
- Provided quality customer service by being polite, helpful, and knowledgeable about stock to assist customers with queries.
- Maintained stock in a tidy manner to ensure items were presentable for customers and enhance business image.
- Supported team efforts in creating a welcoming environment for shoppers.
- Built strong relationships with regular customers for repeat business.
- Handled cash transactions swiftly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Education
MRes - Wildlife Conservation
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton 2021.09 - 2022.10
BSc (Hons) - Animal Behaviour with Wildlife Conservation
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton 2018.09 - 2021.05
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - Animal Management with Science
South Staffordshire College
Stafford, Staffordshire 2017.09 - 2018.07
AQA BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diplomas - Business Studies, Health and Social Care, Applied Science (Forensic Science)
Willenhall E-Act Academy
Willenhall, Walsall 2015.09 - 2017.07
13 GCSEs - Mathematics, English Language and English Literature
Willenhall E-Act Academy
Willenhall, Walsall 2010.09 - 2015.07
Skills
- Zoological enclosure maintenance
- Record keeping accuracy
- Species-Specific care expertise
- Public education and outreach
- Knowledge in conservation principles
- Knowledge of ZIMS software
- Behaviour monitoring
- Biology lab techniques
- Environmental science knowledge
- Academic research
- Statistical analysis
- Report-writing
- Deadline adherence
- Customer Service
- Conflict Resolution
- Environmental enrichment development
- Inclusive mind-set
- Encouraging attitude
- Safeguarding protocols adherence
References
- Keira, Lawlor, Learning Support Coordinator & Line Manager, Keira.Lawlor@sandwell.ac.uk, 01216 675000, Sandwell College, 1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich, B70 6AW
- Stefano, Kaburu, Postgraduate project supervisor, s.kaburu@wlv.ac.uk, 01902 321000, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY
- Mandy, Llyod, Office Manager, mandy.llyod@dudleyzoo.org.uk, 01384 215315, Dudley Zoo & Castle, Castle Hill, Dudley, DY1 4QF
Timeline
Learning Support Assistant
Sandwell College
2024.09 - 2026.03
Graduate Animal Care Learning Coach
Sandwell College
2023.08 - 2024.06
MRes - Wildlife Conservation
University of Wolverhampton
2021.09 - 2022.10
Zookeeper (Primate and Farm sections)
Dudley Zoo & Castle
2020.10 - 2023.08
BSc (Hons) - Animal Behaviour with Wildlife Conservation
University of Wolverhampton
2018.09 - 2021.05
Customer Service Assistant
Dudley Zoo & Castle
2018.05 - 2020.10
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - Animal Management with Science
South Staffordshire College
2017.09 - 2018.07
Womenswear Sales Advisor
House of Fraser
2017.07 - 2018.05
Home Sales Assistant
Boundary Mill Stores
2016.06 - 2017.05
AQA BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diplomas - Business Studies, Health and Social Care, Applied Science (Forensic Science)
Willenhall E-Act Academy
2015.09 - 2017.07
13 GCSEs - Mathematics, English Language and English Literature
Willenhall E-Act Academy
2010.09 - 2015.07