Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
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McKenzie Highsmith

McKenzie Highsmith

Kahuku,HI

Summary

Motivated and compassionate Barn Manager recognized for expertly monitoring animal and facility conditions, maintaining cleanliness and documenting daily activities. Offers in-depth knowledge of medical issues and conditions paired with outstanding physical stamina and dedication to delivering exceptional care. Organized with experience in business operations, including inventory and office management. Organized in maintaining schedules and staying on top of daily checklists. Personable and dedicated with extensive experience in the customer service industry. Solid team player with upbeat, positive attitude and proven skill in establishing rapport with clients and coworkers. Motivated to contribute to company success. Articulate, enthusiastic and results-oriented with demonstrated passion for building relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Ranch Manager

Gunstock Ranch
Kahuku, HI
03.2018 - Current
  • Monitored safety of every animal to prevent injuries from other animals or environmental hazards.
  • Prepared food to meet needs of animals under care with appropriate meals.
  • Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules.
  • Documented and tracked treatment activities.
  • Monitored post-surgical pet care and administered medication under vet direction.
  • Delivered emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
  • Led guided rides for groups of varying sizes along designated trails in a safe manner.
  • Ordered feed and farm supplies and tracked inventory.
  • Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
  • Trained new employees to meet job requirements and understand ranch procedures.
  • Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
  • Created spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for record-keeping and reporting.
  • Identified, hired, and trained personnel to carry out daily operations on the ranch.
  • Provided instructions and safety tips to riders before each trail ride.

Veterinary Technician

Feather and Fur Animal Hospital
Kailua, HI
05.2024 - Current
  • Prepared food for hospitalized animals according to instructions from veterinarians.
  • Provided animal restraint for examinations and treatments.
  • Cleaned kennels, cages and exam rooms; sterilized instruments; prepared surgical packs; took out trash; changed water bowls; transported animals within the hospital facility.
  • Performed basic diagnostic tests such as fecal examinations or skin scrapings.
  • Dispensed medications, monitored drug reactions and provided client education on medication administration.
  • Monitored vital signs of patients and recorded results in patient charts.
  • Maintained inventory control of medications and supplies by restocking shelves according to established protocols.
  • Collected biological samples from animals for laboratory testing purposes.
  • Administered medications prescribed by veterinarians as needed.
  • Performed daily health checks on animals and monitored their activity levels.
  • Ensured that all areas of the clinic were kept clean and organized at all times.
  • Cleaned cages, kennels and runs regularly to ensure the health and safety of all animals under care.
  • Assisted veterinarians in the examination of animals, including restraint and minor surgical procedures.

Barn Manager/Owner

Far West Stables
Lincoln, CA
02.2017 - 03.2018
  • Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
  • Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
  • Analyzed financial statements and trends to manage cash flow and make business decisions.
  • Facilitated riding lessons weekly.
  • Maintained tidy barn by sweeping, cleaning and organizing feed and materials.
  • Cared for horses by blanketing, cleaning stalls, feeding and watering.
  • Delivered basic equine medical care skills such as bandaging, wrapping and medication administration.
  • Interviewed, trained and supervised employees.
  • Cleaned and sanitized equipment and surfaces to protect animal and staff health.
  • Scheduled grooming and veterinary appointments for animals.

Owner/Operator

The Critter Corral
Newcastle, CA
06.2014 - 01.2018
  • Traveled with and presented small exotic pets to parties, events and field trips, including but not limited to, ball pythons, bearded dragons, tarantulas, skinks, tegus, hedgehogs, ferrets and chameleons.
  • Cared for animals with regular feeding and watering, social engagement and play opportunities.
  • Presented informal educational programs to excite and inform zoo visitors.
  • Presented informal educational programs to excite and inform visitors.
  • Knowledge of Animal Behavior and Physiology.
  • Delivered high-energy and interactive informal educational programs to excite and inform teens and kids.
  • Delivered excellent service to drive repeat business.

Preschool Teacher

Polaris Learning Center
Caldwell, ID
01.2016 - 12.2017
  • Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
  • Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
  • Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
  • Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
  • Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.

Education

Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology

Windward Community College
Kaneohe, HI
05-2025

Bachelor of Science - Equine Studies

Post University
Waterbury, CT

Skills

  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Human and Animal Safety
  • Team Leadership
  • Treatment Documentation
  • Customer Service
  • Administration and Reporting
  • Scheduling and Coordinating
  • Budget Management
  • Food Supplement Preparation
  • Livestock Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Office Administration
  • Physical Strength

Certification

  • Certified Veterinary Assistant
  • CPR and First Aid certified
  • Fear Free Certified: Small Animal
  • Fear Free Certified: Equine
  • Fear Free Certified: Avian
  • Masterson Method Equine Body Work

Accomplishments

  • Veterinary Technician Student President
  • Young Womanhood in Recognition
  • Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative
  • E! Entertainment Tonight Guest Speaker
  • Animal Handler working on Movie and TV sets, i.e. Doogie Kamealoha, Magnum PI, Hawaii Five-0
  • Modern Wahine Guest Speaker

Timeline

Veterinary Technician

Feather and Fur Animal Hospital
05.2024 - Current

Ranch Manager

Gunstock Ranch
03.2018 - Current

Barn Manager/Owner

Far West Stables
02.2017 - 03.2018

Preschool Teacher

Polaris Learning Center
01.2016 - 12.2017

Owner/Operator

The Critter Corral
06.2014 - 01.2018

Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology

Windward Community College

Bachelor of Science - Equine Studies

Post University

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McKenzie Highsmith