Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Virginia Humanities Scholar
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Steven Wright

Topeka,KS

Summary

Adept at client engagement and relationship management, these skills were leveraged these at Topeka Zoo to enhance guest satisfaction and foster repeat business. Great teamwork and time management abilities contributed to seamless project execution across various roles, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a positive work environment.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Member of the Guest Engagement Team

Topeka Zoo
11.2022 - Current

I was actually first hired by the Zoo to become a part of the Special events Team. I worked my first season of Zoo Lights as part of this crew. This involved many different facets pertaining to zoo lights with a focus on working group events that would rent the Venue during that time. I continued briefly with Events after Zoo Lights. Then my work began to shift into Guest engagement. I was kind of in a "Hybrid" situation for awhile, hosting The Rotary Club once a week in the Venue and sometimes other events in the venue and working Admissions and/or Gift Shop the rest of the time. I have now worked three zoo light seasons, the last two of which have been at Admissions/Gift shop. and two regular full seasons. Come November I will have worked at the Zoo a total of three years.

Most of my time at the Zoo then has been as a welcoming presence at the gate and/or the the gift shop as people enter and exit the Zoo.

  • Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to increased satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Strengthened communication within the engagement team through regular meetings and updates.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment of goals.

Line Chef

Lago Vista Grill
11.2020 - 11.2022
  • Ensured consistent high-quality dishes by adhering to standardized recipes and strict quality control measures.
  • Demonstrated versatility by efficiently working across various stations within the kitchen as needed.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment by following strict food handling guidelines and regular cleaning schedules.
  • Expedited customer orders with prompt and accurate plate assembly, ensuring top-notch presentation standards.
  • Developed strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Fostered a positive work atmosphere through enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong work ethic, leading to increased team morale.
  • Established positive working relationships with colleagues through effective communication and teamwork strategies.
  • Restocked food items throughout shift to provide head chef with proper ingredients for dishes.
  • Assisted head chef in preparing and serving food.
  • Contributed to increased guest satisfaction by consistently preparing dishes that met or exceeded expectations in taste and presentation.
  • Operated fryer and cooked meats on grill.
  • Reduced food waste through proper inventory management, portion control, and timely utilization of ingredients.
  • Followed recipes and food presentation standards at. Lago Vista Grill.
  • Complied with sanitation and nutrition regulations and safety standards.
  • Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
  • Assisted other chefs with ingredients preparation in support of recipes designed by head chef.
  • Rotated through all prep stations to learn different techniques.
  • Observed different kitchen chefs' preparation of sauces, breads, and other items to gain knowledge in diverse cooking and baking techniques.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Measured high demand spices and commonly used ingredients to prevent overages and waste.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.

Landscaping Assistant and Nursery Worker

Jackson's Greenhouse
06.2018 - 06.2020
  • Removed and disposed of plant debris from work sites to keep areas safe and well-organized.
  • Installed stonework according to landscape design plan and client specifications.
  • Maintained healthy lawns and gardens by performing regular mowing, trimming, and fertilization tasks.
  • Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding, and general clean-up.
  • Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and efficient landscaping services.
  • Exceeded customer expectations with consistent follow-up on project progress, tailored solutions based on their feedback.
  • Preserved plant health through proper pruning, watering, and pest control measures.
  • Monitored weekly and daily scheduled tasks to achieve desired workflow speed.
  • Worked in multiple areas of the nursery, potting trees and plants.
  • Helped with unloading and receiving, and moving of all trees and plants.
  • Kept plants and trees watered and cared for until they were sold or used in projects.

Delivery Driver

Porterfield's Flowers And Gifts
11.2017 - 11.2018
  • Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
  • Completed on-time deliveries by choosing best and most efficient routes.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate deliveries of products.
  • Read maps, followed oral, and written instructions and used GPS technology to make deliveries.
  • Operated vehicle safely in highly congested areas with no traffic violations.
  • Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
  • Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
  • Loaded truck and properly secured items to prevent damage for deliveries.
  • Worked scheduled hours as required and took on available shifts during holidays and busy periods.
  • Enhanced delivery efficiency by optimizing routes using GPS navigation and mapping tools.
  • Upheld high standards of professionalism while representing the company during interactions with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Burlingame Road Animal Hospital
11.2007 - 11.2009
  • Provided compassionate care for animals during their stay at the clinic, creating a positive experience for both pets and owners.
  • Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
  • Assisted with radiographic imaging procedures to provide veterinarians with vital information needed to make accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
  • Collaborated with the veterinary team in emergency situations, providing critical support to stabilize patients quickly and effectively.
  • Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
  • Promoted animal welfare through educating pet owners on proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming habits.
  • Enhanced clinic efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas, preparing instruments, and sterilizing equipment.
  • Aided in dental cleanings for patients as part of preventative healthcare measures, promoting long-term oral health for pets under our care.
  • Contributed to successful surgeries by providing pre-and post-operative care for patients, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
  • Walked pets outside throughout each shift to prevent accidents in group play areas and on bedding.
  • Carefully clipped nails and trimmed hair around pads and paws, using gentle approach for anxious pets.
  • Improved patient care by assisting veterinarians in administering treatments and medications.
  • Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
  • Supported the veterinarian during euthanasia procedures by comforting clients throughout the difficult process while demonstrating empathy toward their emotional needs.
  • Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection.
  • Ensured proper restraint techniques were employed during examinations or procedures to protect both staff members and animals from harm.
  • Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
  • Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
  • Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures.
  • Cleaned, sterilized and maintained surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Prepared animals for surgical procedures.
  • Maintained clean and safe animal living areas.
  • Administered injections, oral medications and topically applied medications prescribed by veterinarian.
  • Collected and processed samples for laboratory testing.
  • Observed animals for signs of distress or illness.
  • Cleaned, sterilized and maintained kennels, operating rooms, and surgical equipment.
  • Restrained animals for examination and treatment.
  • Followed safety protocols for handling animals.
  • Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care for animals.
  • Assisted in examination and treatment of animals in veterinary clinic.
  • Assisted veterinarians with euthanasia of animals.

Education

Associate of Science - Animal Science And Communications

Mount San Antonio Community Collage
1100 N. Grand Ave, Walnut, CA. 91789

Skills

  • Client engagement
  • Brand awareness
  • Relationship management
  • Teamwork
  • Customer service
  • Time management
  • Teaching

Accomplishments

    Steven Wright Bio

    Steven Lee Wright was born at the Los Angeles county Hospital in Compton, CA. in May of 1963.

    When he was a small child, Steven's family moved to Springfield, Oregon where he graduated from Springfield High School in 1981.

    From 1990 – 1992 Steven studied Animal Science, communications, and Spanish at Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA.

    Steven has had a Lifelong interest in Biology, nature, animal husbandry, horticulture and genetics, as well as history and genealogy.

    Steven's interests and accomplishments include: being a devoted husband, father of eight, grandfather of seven, lover of the outdoors, an avid gardener, hiking and camping, cooking, music and writing. Steven is an Eagle Scout, the current Membership chair for the local Topeka K.A.A.H.G.S. chapter and, a National A.A.H.G.S member. He was a presenter at the virtual 2020 A.A.H.G.S. conference. He is a Virginia Humanities Scholar, a featured writer for Academia.edu. , an online ministry contributor to the Veteran's non – profit INTERNITY a 501c3, and a soon to be published Author. A descendant of Complex ethnic populations, Steven is also an enrolled tribal member of the Ko'asek Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation.

    A Christian, Steven has been an Evangelist for the churches of Christ since 1984

    If you would like to contact Steven you may do so:

    (785) 230 – 1700

    forfeathers@yahoo.com

Affiliations

  • the current Membership chair for the local Topeka K.A.A.H.G.S. chapter and, a National A.A.H.G.S member. He was a presenter at the virtual 2020 A.A.H.G.S. conference. He is a Virginia Humanities Scholar, a featured writer for Academia.edu. , an online ministry contributor to the Veteran's non – profit INTERNITY a 501c3, and a soon to be published Author. A descendant of Complex ethnic populations, Steven is also an enrolled tribal member of the Ko'asek Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation.

Certification

Adult First Aid CPR AED

Virginia Humanities Scholar

I was privileged to be part of a team of presenters at the African American Historical and Genealogical Society Conference in 2020. This turned out to be a Virtual conference of course due to the Covid - 19 pandemic of that year.

We five presenters all descend from John Gowen and Margaret Cornish, two of the Angolans who were brought to the Jamestown Colony in 1619. We discussed and showed our various connections to the said Angolans and related points of this amazing story pertaining to the founding and shaping of our nation. Our efforts were recognized by the Virginia Humanities Council and we were therefore awarded with the scholarships.

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working

Interests

I have a Lifelong interest in Biology, nature, animal husbandry, horticulture and genetics, as well as history and genealogy

I am a devoted husband, father of eight, grandfather of seven, lover of the outdoors, an avid gardener, hiking and camping, cooking, music and writing And I am proud to say that I am an Eagle Scout,

  • Cooking
  • Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • Gardening
  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
  • Youth Development Programs
  • Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • Camping
  • Genealogy
  • Hiking
  • Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
  • Avid Reader

Timeline

Member of the Guest Engagement Team

Topeka Zoo
11.2022 - Current

Line Chef

Lago Vista Grill
11.2020 - 11.2022

Landscaping Assistant and Nursery Worker

Jackson's Greenhouse
06.2018 - 06.2020

Delivery Driver

Porterfield's Flowers And Gifts
11.2017 - 11.2018

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Burlingame Road Animal Hospital
11.2007 - 11.2009

Associate of Science - Animal Science And Communications

Mount San Antonio Community Collage
Steven Wright