S. Isaac Griffith
Zoo Keeper
Concord,NC
Summary
Charismatic Zoo Keeper with strong history of success in building relationships, promoting conservation and increasing public awareness in animal education. Knowledgeable about various types of wildlife, consider the audience and communicate key messaging effectively. Committed to driving wildlife (both local and exotic) awareness and promoting conservation goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Seasonal Animal Ambassador Specialist
North Carolina Zoo
03.2024 - Current
- Provided counsel to NC Zoo personnel on matters related to Ambassador Animals and guest relations for informed decision-making processes.
- Develop and maintain strong professional networks with counterparts from other zoological facilities fostering collaboration on animal welfare, conservation, and training.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration between education department and ambassador animals
- Enhanced reputation of NC Zoo and AZA accredited facilities by showcasing conservation and education to guests.
- Responsible for animal husbandry- for variety of domestic and exotic animals in animal ambassador ??
- Developing and providing environmental enrichment to stimulate critical thinking and encourage mental health balance of animals.
- Accurate and daily record keeping of medical, husbandry, and training.
- Developing and presenting animal programs for guests of all ages aligning with NC Zoo's mission while maintaining animal welfare.
- Operant conditioning of animals for their continued welfare.
- Team communication of all programs and record keeping details.
- Regular use of all types of programming - including Word and Excel.
Head Avian Trainer
Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary
04.2017 - Current
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in operant training and develop targeted learning solutions.
- Manned and trained non-releasable barred owl for educational programming utilizing operant conditioning and AZA "Choice and Control" protocols.
- A Lead Outreach personnel - designed and presented educational programs for guests of all ages to promote education and conservation of local wildlife
- Promote youth exploration of careers in Zoological fields and Rescue/rehabilitation fields with cooperation of Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary, Davidson Davie Community College Zoological Sciences, and Lees McRae Wildlife Biology and Rehab program.
- Lead VIP encounters and tours
- provide daily husbandry to all ambassador birds and extending to all animals within the custody of Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary as needed.
- Monitor health and well being of all ambassador birds physical and mental needs.
Wolf and Otter Zoo Keeper
Grizzly And Wolf Discovery Center
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Develop strong bonds with individual animals through positive reinforcement training techniques, promoting trust and cooperation.
- Conduct hourly shifting and environmental enrichment activities for animals.
- Prepare daily diets and administered medications .
- Perform observations and behavioral monitoring with the ability to adapt the animal's diets or exhibits to better suit their needs.
- Operated Life Support system equipment and executed weekly water quality checks, biweekly backwash to system, and concurrent record keeping.
- Participated in emergency response drills to prepare for potential situations involving animal escapes, natural disasters, or other critical events affecting zoo operations.
- Minimized stress on animals during routine husbandry tasks by employing low-stress handling techniques based on each species'' unique characteristics.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, collect samples for treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations governing the ethical treatment of animals under zoo care standards.
- Conducted behavioral observations to inform management decisions regarding exhibit design, animal compatibility, and overall wellbeing.
- Engage in ground maintenance duties including: utilizing power tools, machinery, shoveling, cleaning, and renovating exhibits as needed. etc.
- Maintained safe and clean exhibit areas for animals and visitors through regular upkeep and sanitation procedures.
- Contributed to research projects focused on animal behavior, reproductive success, or environmental factors affecting species populations.
- Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries, or potential diseases.
- Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Developed and implemented enrichment plans to keep animals healthy and stimulated.
- Examples of Enrichment activities created: Bear Back scratcher for environmental enrichment in bear enclosure, teeter totter for the 7 otters in their off exhibit rotation yard,
General Laborer
Oak Trail Nursery
04.2019 - 10.2022
- Operated machinery and equipment for landscaping tasks including: Operating a dingo, using power tools, concrete mixer, minor electrical work, etc.
- Proficient in concrete mixing, block laying, and landscaping both flora and stone work.
- Managed IT responsibilities -
- Utilized augmented digital design software to help communicate with private and commercial customers.
- Able to operate machinery to facilitate transportation of heavy loads.
Education
Associate of Science - Zoo Sciences
Davidson Davie Community College
Thomasville, NC 05.2001 -
Skills
Customer Education
Customer Engagement
Product Knowledge
Brand image Awareness
Demonstrations
Timeline
Seasonal Animal Ambassador Specialist
North Carolina Zoo
03.2024 - Current
Wolf and Otter Zoo Keeper
Grizzly And Wolf Discovery Center
10.2022 - 08.2023
General Laborer
Oak Trail Nursery
04.2019 - 10.2022
Head Avian Trainer
Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary
04.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Zoo Sciences
Davidson Davie Community College
05.2001 -
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