In my personal time when I'm not found caring for my own animals, I'm probably crafting! I love to paint, paper mache, sculpt, revive roadkill, do makeup (sfx!) and more! I also enjoy to hike and play video games I'm currently learning to crochet so I can expand my art in that medium! I find that art, nature, and games nurtures my personal growth by allowing myself time to enjoy the things I love!
Josie Merriman
St Louis,MO
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented student with over 10 years of hands-on animal care experience. Currently employed at the Saint Louis Zoo, I strive to work my way to the animal care position of my dreams. Proven ability to enhance animal welfare through innovative enrichment programs and maintain high sanitation standards. Recognized for creativity and effective communication, fostering positive visitor engagement and team collaboration all across the zoo!
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Fall Herpetarium Intern
Saint Louis Zoo
St Louis, MO
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw daily operations, health assessments, feeding, and care techniques for a diverse collection of over 500 reptiles and amphibians at the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium.
- Cleaned enclosure glass, prepared 30+ animal diets, provided maintenances inside indoor habitats.
- Provided and kept records on feeding, fecal, water changes, weight, etc.
- Cared for invertebrates and feeder rodent collection.
- Helped weigh animals, handle for necessary vet visits/inspection, moves. Learned various handling techniques on "dangerous" species. (Alligator snapping turtle, snake neck turtle, ground boa, reticulated python, Jamaican Iguana, Black Monitor, etc.)
- Refined my snake hook technique for handling small and large species with one or two hooks.
- Observed proper venomous species (level1 and 2) handling and tubing procedures. Learned proper antivenom administration instruction.
- Engaged with visitors and providing information about animals and conservation efforts.
- Maintained cleanliness of animal habitats, following safety protocols and promoting hygiene standards.
- Contributed to conservation initiatives by participating in habitat restoration projects within the zoo grounds.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
Retail Sales / Rentals Associate
Saint Louis Zoo
St Louis, MO
02.2025 - Current
- Processed customer transactions efficiently and accurately at The Treetop Shop in The Living World.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of all areas to enhance customer experience.
- Managed inventory by restocking shelves and monitoring product availability.
- Implemented personal creative touches on promotional displays to encourage sales of featured products.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication skills.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Assisted guests with the rentals of strollers, wheelchairs, and ECV's at the North Rentals desk in the Living World.
- Collaborated with South Rentals to ensure the best possible result for the guest.
- Processed rental agreements and payments using industry-standard software systems.
- Communicated effectively with customers to resolve inquiries and ensure satisfaction.
- Assisted customers in selecting rental vehicles based on personal preferences and needs.
Bud Trimmer
Wellness Group Pharms
Anna, IL
02.2023 - 10.2025
- Trimmed and manicured cannabis plants to meet quality standards for processing.
- Consistently hit 30% over daily expected rate.
- Operated trimming machines and equipment to enhance efficiency and consistency.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Monitored plant health and reported issues to supervisors for timely resolution.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and reduce processing times.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Contributed to increased overall productivity by consistently meeting or exceeding daily trimming quotas.
Personal Nanny
Tori Norwood
Anna, IL
06.2019 - 01.2023
- Supervised and nurtured two children during 12-hour periods, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate educational activities to promote cognitive and social skills.
- Managed daily schedules, ensuring timely transportation to school and extracurricular activities.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing environment, addressing individual needs of children effectively.
- Collaborated with parents to communicate progress and address concerns regarding child development.
- Assisted with homework completion and provided tutoring as needed, boosting academic performance.
- Managed household tasks such as laundry and light cleaning to maintain an organized living space for families.
- Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
- Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
- Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Care And Behavior
Husson University College of Science And Humanities
Bangor, ME01-2027
Certificate - Certificate of Cosmetology
Shawnee Community College
Ullin, IL07-2021
Skills
- Various hands-on animal expereince : 10 years reptile and large constrictor handling and care (royal python, burmese pythons, central american boas, brazillian rainbow boas, etc), 10 years equine handling and care (horses, donkeys, miniature horses, ponies, etc), 10 years personal care of other various species (myotonic goats, ducks, chickens, guinea, red slider turtles, syrian hamsters, lab mice, domestic rabbits, etc)
- Comfortable handling, monitoring, and feeding various reptiles and amphibians, oftentimes utilizing tools and techniques to ensure safe and effective interactions
- Comfortable handling, caring for and cleaning out invertabrate species and their enclosures (all life stages of crickets, horn worms, fruit flies, night crawlers, etc)
- Sanitation and biosecurity awareness
- Creativity and innovation, I strive to think outside of the box in order to conquer adversities
- Physical fitness, I find importance in keeping my body strong and capable
- Superb attention to detail
- Fast learner with a positive outlook
- Punctual and reliable
- Flexible and adaptable
Interests
Timeline
Fall Herpetarium Intern
Saint Louis Zoo
09.2025 - 01.2026
Retail Sales / Rentals Associate
Saint Louis Zoo
02.2025 - Current
Bud Trimmer
Wellness Group Pharms
02.2023 - 10.2025
Personal Nanny
Tori Norwood
06.2019 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Animal Care And Behavior
Husson University College of Science And Humanities
Certificate - Certificate of Cosmetology
Shawnee Community College