Shannon Burkman
El Paso,TX
Summary
Passionate about maintaining safe, clean and secure environments for all types of animals. Accustomed to working indoors and outdoors to meet unique demands. Well-organized in coordinating feeding schedules, medication and cleaning to support animal health and wellbeing while maintaining focus on safety and security.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Zookeeper
The El Paso Zoo
El Paso, TX
05.2022 - Current
- Understood and followed oral and written directions.
- Assists with laboratory procedures such as blood draws, injections and sample collection.
- Assists in restraining animals for examination or treatment when necessary.
- Maintains accurate records of animal feeding schedules, medication administration and other relevant data.
- Ensures that all safety protocols are followed while handling animals in order to prevent accidents or injuries to staff or visitors.
- Participates in training sessions on proper animal handling techniques.
- Interacts with guests regarding questions about the facility's operations and provides educational talks related to the welfare of the species being cared for.
- Cleans and maintains animal living areas, including nighthouses and exhibits appropriate cleaning materials.
- Monitors animals for signs of illness or injury and administers medications as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Feeds animals according to instructions from veterinarians or animal care supervisors.
- Provides enrichment activities for animals in their care.
- Records observations of animal behavior, health, diet and other information as required.
Wildlife Care Professional
The Texas Zoo
Victoria, TX
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Managed facilities upkeep, including cleaning and restocking housing and habitats.
- Trained animals to follow feeding and safety procedures with operant conditioning.
- Elicited species-specific behaviors by creating and implementing behavioral enrichment activities.
- Administered treatments to sick or injured animals and consulted veterinarians to handle more complex concerns.
- Ordered, received, unloaded and stored feed and supplies for animals under care.
- Prepared food and formulas to meet individual needs of animals under care with safe and nutritious meals.
- Supported animal health by keeping all areas clean, neat and properly sanitized.
- Observed animals and conducted examinations to identify signs of injury, illness or disease.
- Treated basic wellness issues such as superficial wounds and called in veterinarian assistance for more complex concerns.
- Pitched in with laundry duties, including washing, drying and folding towels during busy periods, ensuring consistent workflow.
Intern
Summerfield Zoo And Farm
Belvidere, IL
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Prepared food and formulas to meet individual needs of animals under care with safe and nutritious meals.
- Supported animal health by keeping all areas clean, neat and properly sanitized.
- Identified animal health concerns and discussed problems with owners.
- Collected and documented animal information such as size, physical condition and food intake.
- Monitored safety and security of every animal to prevent injuries from other animals or environmental hazards.
- Adhered to all animal care plans, medication requirements and dietary restrictions while providing care.
- Maintained clean and orderly enclosures and crates.
Student
America's Teaching Zoo
Moorpark, CA
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Adhered to all schedules, regulations, policies and dress code
- Educated community in responsible pet ownership and wildlife care
- Supported animal health by keeping all areas clean, neat and properly sanitized
- Adhered to all animal care plans, medication requirements and dietary restrictions while providing care
- Served as a sponsorship manager by organizing documentation, arranging meetings and updating involved parties about changing information
- Practiced training programs that worked with a variety of animals such as carnivores, herbivores, birds, and primates to teach and improve behaviors in husbandry
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Feather River College
Quincy, CACertificate: Exotic Animal Training and Management -
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA2019
Skills
- Animal care instruction adherence
- Pet first aid and CPR certified
- Client relationship management
- Guest service skills
- Detail-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Behavior modification
- Maintaining treatment notes
Certification
- CPR
- Exotic Animal Training and Management
Timeline
Zookeeper
The El Paso Zoo
05.2022 - Current
Wildlife Care Professional
The Texas Zoo
08.2020 - 05.2022
Intern
Summerfield Zoo And Farm
09.2019 - 03.2020
Student
America's Teaching Zoo
06.2017 - 05.2019
Some College (No Degree) -
Feather River College
Certificate: Exotic Animal Training and Management -
Moorpark College
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