Eric Looft
Summary
Operations and guest services professional with 15+ years of leadership experience in tourism, outdoor recreation, wildlife facilities, and public-facing operations. Proven ability to lead teams, oversee daily operations, manage guest experiences, coordinate logistics, and maintain high standards of customer service in fast-paced environments. Skilled in staff supervision, operational efficiency, visitor engagement, safety management, and cross-functional collaboration. Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while supporting mission-driven organizations and outdoor destinations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Okefenokee Adventures
Folkston, Georgia
09.2023 - 05.2026
- Directed daily operations for guided tours, educational programming, and visitor services in high-volume ecotourism setting.
- Supervised staff scheduling, onboarding, training, and operational coordination for frontline teams.
- Streamlined logistics and service standards across multiple programs, improving operational flow and guest experiences.
- Facilitated memorable experiences for families, school groups, researchers, and outdoor recreation visitors, enhancing visitor satisfaction.
- Assisted with budgeting, financial oversight, and operational reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Developed partnerships with conservation organizations, tourism stakeholders, and public agencies to strengthen collaborative initiatives.
- Maintained safety standards while effectively responding to dynamic operational challenges in fast-paced environment.
- Resolved guest concerns professionally, fostering a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
Owner/Operator
Digging Dog Landscaping
Hilliard, FL
10.2021 - 09.2024
- Managed daily operations of landscaping projects and services.
- Developed landscaping designs based on client specifications and preferences.
- Maintained inventory of tools, materials, and supplies for efficient operations.
- Negotiated contracts with clients for products or services rendered by the company.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Operated various landscaping tools and equipment for efficient project completion.
- Maintained plant health through watering, pruning, and fertilizing techniques.
- Collaborated with clients to select plants that suited their preferences and environments.
Senior Wildlife Specialist
White Oak
Yulee, Florida
01.2018 - 09.2023
- Executed daily husbandry for rhinos and ungulates, ensuring optimal health through feeding, cleaning, and meticulous record keeping.
- Assisted in hand-rearing white and black rhino calves and other ungulates.
- Coordinated animal transfers, prioritizing safety and welfare during transport to and from the property.
- Coordinated hay sample storage and collection with supervisors and veterinary team.
- Performed facility maintenance by building fences, installing hot wires, and conducting trailer repairs.
- Oversaw cleanliness and upkeep of large machinery, communicating issues promptly to superiors.
- Presented informative talks on species and research conducted at property.
- Organized shoot team presentations and assisted in developing dangerous animal policies.
- Educated visitors on wildlife preservation and ecological balance, fostering awareness and appreciation for the environment.
Lead Zookeeper
Gulf Breeze Zoo
Gulf Breeze, Florida
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Exotic animal husbandry in both a preserve and exhibit setting including 25 species and 125 individuals.
- Designated lead keeper, which included training and monitoring staff, assigned and checked work, and ensured safety protocols were followed.
- Directed safety units, including firearm and immobilization teams, to maintain operational safety.
- Supervised staff in the absence of curators.
- Followed company protocols to safely restrain, transfer, and introduce new species throughout section.
Hoofstock Zookeeper
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Goddard, Kansas
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Supervised and trained keepers on giraffe and rhino/hippo routines to enhance animal care standards.
- Managed daily animal care routines and feeding schedules for diverse species.
- Conducted animal training sessions using operant conditioning for rhinos and hippos.
- Provided comprehensive daily animal husbandry and welfare services.
- Assisted with educational programs, engaging visitors about wildlife conservation efforts.
- Delivered engaging zookeeper talks and educational presentations, fostering visitor awareness of wildlife conservation.
- Maintained grain and hay inventories for facility, ensuring optimal supply levels for animal diets.
National Park Ranger - Law Enforcement
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Redding, CA
03.2014 - 10.2014
- Enforced park regulations to ensure visitor safety and environmental protection.
- Patrolled and monitored park grounds to ensure safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife.
- Responded to incidents and emergencies, providing first aid.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement on public safety initiatives and emergency responses.
- Conducted investigations into suspected park regulation violations to uphold safety and environmental standards.
- Educated visitors on park rules, conservation efforts, and outdoor safety practices.
- Managed visitor services and provided information about park features and safety.
Desert Tortoise Biotechnician
USGS
Las Vegas, Nevada
03.2014 - 07.2014
- Surveyed wild desert tortoises by radio-tracking using telemetry and GPS equipment.
- Collected data regarding micro-habitat selection and behavior.
- Husbandry and monitoring of captive tortoises in outdoor research enclosures.
- Handled tortoises and assisted with data-logger attachment, health evaluations, and tissue sampling.
- Organized data from the field, entered data into ArcGIS, and proofed for accuracy.
Program Director
Camp Summit
Argyle, Texas
05.2012 - 11.2012
- Supervised and supported 10–20 activity directors in a fast-paced camp environment serving individuals with disabilities.
- Evaluated staff performance and implemented operational improvements to enhance program effectiveness and guest experience.
- Managed and monitored budgets for weekly activities and operational programming.
- Coordinated ordering and inventory of supplies, food, and equipment for daily and weekly operations.
- Planned and executed camp programs from concept to completion, including scheduling, deadlines, operational processes, and documentation.
- Communicated daily operational updates and program needs directly with camp leadership and directors.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding activity staff.
- Fostered a positive team culture focused on morale, collaboration, and strong working relationships among staff members.
Horse Wrangler
Camp Summit
Argyle, Texas
05.2010 - 08.2011
- Managed daily horse care operations including feeding, hoof care, tack maintenance, and stable upkeep.
- Developed and adapted riding lesson plans for campers with disabilities to ensure safe and engaging experiences.
- Guided horseback rides for children and adults with varying physical and developmental needs.
- Supervised staff and volunteers assisting with riding activities and guest safety.
- Supported operational safety and coordinated with staff to maintain smooth daily
Education
Seasonal National Park Service - Law Enforcement Certificate
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ12-2013
Bachelor of Science - Park Management & Conservation
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-2013
Skills
- Operations management
- Guest services and visitor experience
- Team leadership and staff development
- Ticketing and frontline operations
- Financial accountability and reporting
- Scheduling and logistics coordination
- Customer service excellence
- Safety and risk management
- Public engagement and interpretation
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- Training and performance management
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Data tracking and reporting
- Fast-paced operational environments
Certification
- ACA Canoe Instructor Certified
- CPR / First Aid / AED
- Firearms / Immobilization Team Training
- ATV / UTV Operations
- Boater Safety / Boat Operation
- ServSafe - Manager
Timeline
Operations Manager
Okefenokee Adventures
09.2023 - 05.2026
Owner/Operator
Digging Dog Landscaping
10.2021 - 09.2024
Senior Wildlife Specialist
White Oak
01.2018 - 09.2023
Lead Zookeeper
Gulf Breeze Zoo
08.2016 - 01.2018
Hoofstock Zookeeper
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
10.2014 - 08.2016
National Park Ranger - Law Enforcement
Lassen Volcanic National Park
03.2014 - 10.2014
Desert Tortoise Biotechnician
USGS
03.2014 - 07.2014
Program Director
Camp Summit
05.2012 - 11.2012
Horse Wrangler
Camp Summit
05.2010 - 08.2011
Seasonal National Park Service - Law Enforcement Certificate
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science - Park Management & Conservation
Kansas State University