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Richard J. Merritt
Profile
Energetic hard working self-starter who thrives in a hands-on environment where technical and practical skills can be
applied. Excels as a team leader, supervisor, and trainer.
Professional Experience
Small Business Owner/Operator: Bay Area Aquatic Services: San Francisco Bay Area
2003-Present
• Start and grow small business developing client base throughout the Bay Area.
• Advise customer about issues related to aquarium design, size, filtration, and lighting.
• Exceed customer expectations by selecting appropriate species to balance the environmental conditions required by various salt and
freshwater fishes, invertebrates, and corals.
• Investigate and rehabilitate water quality and treat fish illness.
• Set up and take down, cleaning, and ongoing repair of a variety of aquariums, pumps, motors, heaters, filters, valves, chemical metering
pumps, and automated controllers.
• Test water quality weekly to ensure PH, nitrites, nitrates, ammonia, temperature, and other requirements are within acceptable range.
• Excellent customer service and retention with many long-term customers over 5 years.
Research Assistant: California State University Monterey Bay Jan-Sept
2013
Air Resources Board and Cal-Core Projects:
• Fabricate lab and field equipment for collection of gases and soil.
• Install field equipment, monitor sampling, and collect field data at agricultural sites in accordance with specific collection protocol.
• Lab analysis and post-processing of gas and soil samples in accordance with specific experimental design protocol.
• Work independently and generated work schedule in accordance with project requirements.
• Authorization to use and transport team members in CSUMB vehicles for project related activities.
Property Manager: Public Storage, San Ramon, CA 2008-2009
Reported to off-site District Manager
• Manage one of largest Public Storage East Bay facility including truck and equipment leasing, retail store, packaging and unit rentals.
• Operate business with responsibility for staffing, training, security, inventory control, collections, lien execution and public auctions.
• Increase sales 5% and surpass monthly goals for occupancy and low delinquency.
• Implement process improvement strategies improving workflow and property aesthetics.
Facility Supervisor: East Bay Iceland Inc., Dublin CA 2004-2008
Reported to General Manager
• Responsible for daily operation of ice skating/hockey facility with staff of 10.
• Open and close, cash reconciliation, retail store sales and customer service.
• Logistics and hosting large group events.
• Skating Instructor for recreational and hockey skating skills for all ages.
• Operation and repair of compressor driven cooling systems and ice resurfacing machine.
Aquatic Specialist: Petco, Dublin CA
2002-2004
Reported to Store Manager
• Health and maintenance of aquariums (2000+ gallons) and fishes in aquatic department.
• Merchandising, inventory control, and retail sales.
• Consult with customer, identify and recommend specific fish and equipment to suite their needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy. Concentration in Marine and Coastal Ecology
2013
California State University Monterey Bay, Seaside CA
• Cum Laude, Deans list, GPA 3.6
Associate in Arts in Business Administration 2008
Heald College, Hayward CA
• Deans list, GPA 3.6
Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration
2007
Heald College, Hayward CA
• Deans list, GPA 3.9
Volunteer Work
Monterey Harbor Clean-up Dives sponsored by Harbor Master of Monterey
2012-2013
• On SCUBA, Lift bags, hooks, and ropes used to carefully recover manmade objects and trash from ocean floor of Monterey Harbor
without causing harm to existing marine life.
Return of the Natives (RON) Restoration and Education Project Jan-
May 2012
• Community and school-based environmental education program dedicated to involving students and communities in habitat restoration
projects. My involvement includes habitat restoration, community beautification events, and educating students on
ecological/environmental significance of native fauna.
Accomplishments
Oceangate Foundation, Monterey Bay 2012 Expedition Crew Member Oct 2012
• While in submersible “Antipodes”, conducted exploratory dive to Art Riedel Sr. wreak. During dive classmates and I tested ability of
infrared sensors to control externally mounted video camera at 300ft. Video camera and sensors created by classmates and I, under
supervision of Dr. Steve Moore of CSUMB.
Scuba Diving Certifications: Open Water, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, Master Diver, Research Diver, 80+ logged dives.
References
References available upon request