Katherine Buffamonte
Linwood,PA
Summary
As Union Leadership have been detail and project oriented providing timely responses to necessary tasks. Accustomed to working in misson based environment serving various types of constituents. Experienced with guest centric presentation and focus.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead keeper
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA
01.1999 - Current
- Primary responsible for daily animal care of big cats, including safety, cleaning, enrichment, training, breeding and nutrition.
- Coach team members in techniques necessary to complete daily task assignments including, animal care, exhibit maintenance, guest relations, and coordinating veterinary and contractor projects.
- Utilize Microsoft Outlook, Learning Zen and ZIMS to maintain daily records
Keeper
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA
01.1992 - 01.1999
- Supported Small Mammal and Carnivore teams
- Developed a knowledge of care practices for numerous animal species
- Performed essential job functions including daily animal care, medical care, breeding, infant care, dietary needs, enrichment, pool cleaning, and exhibit maintenance.
Kennel Manager
Independence Dogs
Chadds Ford, PA
01.1990 - 01.1993
- Trained over 60 service dogs for clients
- Maintained records, including kennel, client, training and veterinary records
- Resident responsible for onsite overnight care of clients working with canine companions
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Liberal Studies
West Chester University
1991
Skills
- Peer Lead in a team setting
- Knowledge of professional behavior in a guest centric organization
- Work with Microsoft Office and Outlook email programs
- Data entry in ZIMS animal data collection system
Accomplishments
- President of the employee Bargaining Unit, Local 752 at the Philadelphia Zoo
- Lead Negotiator for three Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Founding and current principle Labor Representative in Federal Mediation and Conciliation Labor and Management Steering Committee
- Principle Labor Representative in Grievance Mediation processes
- Participant in negotiating for seven Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Represents the Philadelphia Zoo during PR events / television/ movie appearances
- Conducts private VIP experiences, Philadelphia Zoo
- Develops, implements, and trains staff on safety protocols with big cats in an American Zoological Association accredited zoo
- Contributed to design of Big Cat Falls exhibit, 2006 Philadelphia Zoo
- Primary in creation and utilization of novel rotational exhibit design Big Cat Crossing, 2014 Philadelphia Zoo
- Developed and implemented first training program to institute voluntary medical procedures for animals, Philadelphia Zoo
Certification
- Certified by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in a Labor Management Relationship by Objective Process
- Certified by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Shop Steward Procedure
- Certified by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Interest Based Bargaining
- HIPPA certified as Health Benefits Administrator
Awards and Achievements
- 1993-present: Executive Board member of Local 752
- 2006-present: Member of the Employee Recognition Committee, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2010-present: President Local 752
- 2010-present: Board member of Blind Dog Rescue Alliance
- 2020 Nominee for Collaboration Award, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2019 Presented at Arbitration Conference in Labor Relations
- 2019 Nominee for Collaboration Award, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2019 Presented at National Felid Taxonomic Advisory Conference
- 2017 Received Collaboration Award, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2015 Lead Keeper of USA Today Best Zoo Exhibit of the Year, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2012 Chosen to represent the Philadelphia Zoo in Namibia on Ongava Game Reserve
- 2007 Lead Keeper of Best Zoo Exhibit awarded by American Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- 2006 Employee of the Year, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2005 Presented at Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conference
- 2004 Received American Association of Zookeepers Journalism of the Year Award
- 2003 Presented at Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conference
- 2003 Received Award for Outstanding Animal Care, Philadelphia Zoo
- 2002 Presented at National Federal Mediation and Conciliation Conference on Labor Relations
- 2001 Received Team Player of the Year Award, Philadelphia Zoo
Timeline
Lead keeper
Philadelphia Zoo
01.1999 - Current
Keeper
Philadelphia Zoo
01.1992 - 01.1999
Kennel Manager
Independence Dogs
01.1990 - 01.1993
Bachelor’s Degree - Liberal Studies
West Chester University
Similar Profiles
ALEXIS MULLNERALEXIS MULLNER
Conservation Educator at Philadelphia ZooConservation Educator at Philadelphia Zoo
Joseph AndersonJoseph Anderson
Armed Security Supervisor at Philadelphia ZooArmed Security Supervisor at Philadelphia Zoo
Frances CamachoFrances Camacho
Event Staff at Philadelphia ZooEvent Staff at Philadelphia Zoo