Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Relevant Experience
Timeline

Donica Hart

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Escondido,CA
17
years of professional experience

Innovative Team Lead recognized for forward thinking strategies, complex problem solving abilities, and a commitment to fostering team member growth. A unique blend of expertise in botany and indigenous studies has facilitated innovative tour development for a world class conservation organization. Proven track record of driving initiatives that enhance guest engagement while promoting environmental awareness and SDZWA's unique contributions to global health.

Work History

Lead Tour Operator Guide

11 Years 6 Months
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | 02.2015 - Current
  • Designed and implemented a botanical tour aimed at highlighting SDZWA's conservation efforts with critically endangered species and native ecosystems.
  • Developed and led training programs for new team members, focusing on operational best practices and customer service excellence.
  • Directed and maintained comprehensive scheduling systems for team members and tours at Africa Tram Station and Accessibility Shuttles, enhancing operational efficiency and guest access.
  • Certified Interpretive Guide specializing in botany and ecology
  • Engaged and informed thousands of guests through compelling narratives about the natural world.

Florist Assistant

4 Years 10 Months
Matteson’s Florist | 05.2015 - 03.2020
  • Artistic eye for correct color and texture composition to create stunning planters and bouquets.
  • Explored new technologies and maintained social media presence to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement.
  • Identified plant species and collaborated with team members to maintain inventory of flowers and supplies.
  • Organized and cleaned workspaces to enhance operational efficiency.

Africa Team Lead

5 Years 6 Months
Sharpshooter Imaging | 08.2009 - 02.2015
  • Streamlined the editing process and cut the average time needed from 30 minutes to ten.
  • Led and mentored a team of twelve employees to enhance daily operational efficiency.
  • Established sales targets and consistently surpassed monthly benchmarks, achieving record-breaking figures.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, increasing communication with host company, and employee sales incentives.

Sales Associate

4 Years
Invincible Ink | 07.2009 - 07.2013
  • Recommended merchandise to customers based on preferences and trends
  • Researched upcoming releases to anticipate customer interest and inform inventory decisions
  • Followed up with customers and retail buyers on shipping statuses and expedited orders to ensure satisfaction
  • Created and arranged visually appealing merchandise displays to attract customer attention.

Education

- Ethnobotany

Kumeyaay Community College | El Cajon, CA

- Sustainable Landscape Management and Landscape Architect

Mira Costa College | Oceanside, CA

Palomar Community College | San Marcos, California, United States of America
Related coursework: Zoology, 3 week study of native habitats in Yellowstone

High School Diploma

Escondido Charter | Escondido, California, United States of America | 01-2007
  • Two week study of world culture in Europe
  • Placed in the 96th percentile of the English SATs

Skills

Specialization in botanical studies
Team Member training and development
Collaborative team management
Analytical problem solving
Measurable goal planning
Detail oriented approach

Accomplishments

  • Created a unique tour experience for research scientist that was successfully launched for weekly public tours
  • Designed and maintained a social media presence that drove customer sales during critical sales weeks
  • Launched and maintained an employee resource group for queer team members, volunteers and allies that has consistently been the most active and fostered cross-department communication.

Relevant Experience

  • Passion for wildlife and everyday ways to protect it
  • Proven success at working with a diverse group on several projects
  • Experience working with several teams on a variety of tasks in numerous areas of the Safari Park
  • Currently taking coursework directly related to horticulture to broaden knowledge

Timeline

Florist Assistant

Matteson’s Florist
05.2015 - 03.2020Read More

Lead Tour Operator Guide

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
02.2015 - CurrentRead More

Africa Team Lead

Sharpshooter Imaging
08.2009 - 02.2015Read More

Sales Associate

Invincible Ink
07.2009 - 07.2013Read More

Escondido Charter

High School Diploma
Read More

Palomar Community College

Read More

Kumeyaay Community College

from Ethnobotany
Read More

Mira Costa College

from Sustainable Landscape Management and Landscape Architect
Read More
Donica Hart