Susan Hoss
Orlando,United States
Summary
Dynamic animal care professional with over 25 years of experience in AZA facilities, specializing in team management and conservation initiatives. Proven ability to inspire and motivate others towards actionable goals while fostering a passionate commitment to animal welfare. Core competencies include strategic leadership, effective communication, and program development.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Keeper
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
01.2017 - Current
- Perform daily tasks and maintain long-term husbandry of a herd of ten African Elephants in protected contact management. Implement behavior modification with precision.
- Lead a team of up to ten keepers to accomplish daily routine, utilizing workday to carry out both standard and specialty tasks safely and efficiently.
- Serve as point of contact when managers are not present. Check in/out with animal care duty managers, coordinate with overnight maintenance projects and night keepers, and follow up with managers upon their return.
- Mentor and train education staff as well as new animal care staff, monitoring performance and providing feedback as needed.
- Train newly hired staff on operation of skid steer loader.
- Teach class titled Animal Care at the End of Life.
- Monitor building inventory and keep necessary equipment stocked. Research vendors to stay within budgetary guidelines.
- Submit work orders and follow up with facilities department and other lines of business to ensure completion of necessary tasks.
- Proven excellent record as team safety leader.
- Member of Disney Conservation Fund's "Cast Conservation Opportunities" - participate in annual research and banding of Purple Martins.
- Long-time member of Elephant Managers' Association. Serve as the election chairperson.
Senior Animal Keeper
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, IL
05.1999 - 01.2017
- Responsible for the daily and long-term care of a large variety of animals. Work both independently and in a group setting.
- Participated in countless veterinary procedures such as chemical immobilizations, vaccinations, and manual capture and restraint. Assisted in necessary human rearing of several species including okapi, addax, aardvark, and a variety of birds.
- Oversaw the training of seasonal employees as well as screening/interviewing/hiring/training/evaluating interns. Organized and scheduled “intern swap” days to allow interns to spend time in non-primary areas.
- Interacted with guests in small groups as well as formal presentations in front of dozens of people. Frequently led tours for VIPs, visiting colleagues, zoo docents and volunteers, educational groups/teachers, and veterinary students.
- Created, organized, and facilitated an “open house” at the Pachyderm building, allowing staff and volunteers a behind-the-scenes opportunity.
- Served on planning committees for International Giraffid Conference (2016) and African Painted Dog Conference (2014) hosted by the zoo. Served as a moderator during presentation sessions.
- Active member of Brookfield AAZK chapter and chairperson for annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecology, Ethology, And Evolution
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05.1999
Skills
- Extensive hands-on care representing a broad range of taxa including carnivores and small mammals
- Completed seven hours of Harvard "ManageMentor" online courses
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 including Teams and SharePoint
- Proficient with ZIMS software including care and welfare module
- Multi-year experience reviewing grants for current and previous employers, including the Disney Conservation Fund and the Chicago Board of Trade
- Able to operate a skid-steer loader and drive a small hay/transport trailer
- NAUI Open Water Dive Certified
Timeline
Animal Keeper
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
01.2017 - Current
Senior Animal Keeper
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo
05.1999 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Ecology, Ethology, And Evolution
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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