Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Courtney Mayfield

Kissimmee,FL

Summary

  • Zoology professional with 15+ years’ experience delivering conservation messaging, customer service, and data analysis.
  • Devoted to the promotion of health and optimal welfare through observation, evaluation, and data collection.
  • Recognized for strong interpersonal and communication skills while working as a member of a large, diverse team and continuously encouraging and facilitating strong work ethic and positive attitudes as a staff trainer.

Work History

ANIMAL KEEPER

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
2016 - Current
  • Developed animal behavior modification plans and applied operant conditioning techniques for training and maintaining behaviors related to health care and husbandry management.
  • Created and implemented enrichment activities to improve physical and psychological welfare and promote natural, species-specific behaviors.
  • Collaborated with multi-dimensional teams, including Nutrition, Animal Health, Endocrine and Science, and Behavioral Husbandry to develop welfare monitoring methods and documentation.
  • Analyzed behavioral data and created reports to make management recommendations to improve health and welfare.
  • Demonstrated effective project management skills by overseeing various initiatives simultaneously, such as leading the Quality of Life task force and successfully implementing a park-wide cell phone recycling program dedicated to gorilla conservation.
  • Delivered presentations at International Gorilla Workshop and African-Eurasian Monkey Taxon Advisory Group, while also contributing to publications in AAZK Animal Keepers Forum and Behavioral Husbandry.
  • Represented the company through daily guest interaction and featured on Disney NOW and National Geographic's Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth, TX
2009 - 2016
  • Researched, wrote, produced, and performed in education presentations promoting conservation messaging.
  • Promoted the zoo and its mission in a variety of settings, including media events and in-park interpretive chats and shows.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive outreach strategies to engage target audiences.
  • Used operant conditioning to train and maintain husbandry and show behaviors in multiple animals; including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ZOOLOGY -

University of Oklahoma
05.2008

Skills

  • Highly skilled and experienced in application of training principles through operant conditioning
  • Extensive experience in presentations, public speaking, and media training
  • Ability to communicate and facilitate learning in individuals and groups of all ages and sizes
  • Educated in conservation issues and initiatives
  • Skilled in providing excellent customer service and guest interaction
  • Problem solving and decision making skills, including the ability to implement critical thinking and thrive in fast-paced, high-stress environments
  • Excellent partnership and leadership skills
  • Keen attention to detail and ability to quickly assimilate information
  • Proficiency in observing, collecting, and analyzing data into professional and visual reports
  • Proficiency in a variety of computer and record-keeping software, including word processing, spreadsheet applications, and database management
  • Organizational skills

Accomplishments

  • 2020 Disney's Animals, Science and Environment Quarterly Award Recipient - Recognized for outstanding job performance, service, quality and dedication to the philosophy and tradition of Disney's Animals, Science and Environment.
  • 2022 Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipient - Awarded to less than 1% of cast members for their ability to model Walt Disney's legacy of excellence criteria and how they Dream, Create and Inspire.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

ANIMAL KEEPER

Disney's Animal Kingdom
2016 - Current

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Fort Worth Zoo
2009 - 2016

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ZOOLOGY -

University of Oklahoma

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Courtney Mayfield