Tara Johns-Berry
Myrtle Beach,SC
Summary
Proactive person always ready for diverse animal needs. Knowledgeable about nutrition, medication and differences between breeds. Maintains health of groups of animals by calmly controlling behaviors and anticipating problems. Reliable and punctual Animal Care team member with proven skills cleaning animal areas, coordinating inventory and managing animal needs with care and compassion. Highly organized and hardworking with good communication and multitasking abilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Zookeeper
Brookgreen Gardens
01.2022 - Current
- Promoted positive work environment by effectively communicating with team members, participating in staff meetings, and working collaboratively to achieve department goals.
- Educated visitors and staff on proper animal care and handling.
- Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
- Assisted in safe capture, restraint, and transport of animals when necessary for medical procedures or relocation purposes.
- Educated public about conservation efforts and importance of preserving natural habitats during presentations and events.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to administer medications, treatments, and routine health checks for optimal animal care.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current on best practices in animal care within zoological community.
- Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
- Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
- Enhanced visitor experience by conducting informative guided tours, explaining animal behaviors and habitats.
- Prepared and administered medications and treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
Zookeeper Intern
Brookgreen Gardens
04.2020 - Current
- Gained a comprehensive understanding of various animal species'' biology, behavior, and environmental needs through extensive research and hands-on training.
- Utilized industry-standard tools and equipment proficiently while performing essential caretaking tasks within exhibits.
- Promoted a positive image for the zoo by adhering to professional attire guidelines and maintaining an approachable demeanor with guests.
- Assisted with veterinary procedures when necessary, ensuring proper restraint techniques were utilized for animal safety and staff protection.
- Documented daily observations of individual animals'' behavior, contributing valuable information to long-term monitoring records.
Butterfly Keeper
Brookgreen Gardens
03.2016 - Current
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Responsible for exhibit maintenance of plant life(pruning, feeding, rotation, removal, etc)
- Received and processed all pupae phase specimens: maintained them to adulthood and released them into the exhibit.
Veterinary Technician
Lakeside Animal Hospital
11.2004 - 01.2021
- Collaborated with fellow technicians to create efficient workflows that streamlined daily tasks within the clinic setting.
- Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
- Processed new patients and updated client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Assisted in preparation and administration of anesthesia for surgical processes.
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
- Established intravenous drips for ongoing hydration in treatment of canines suffering from parvovirus infections.
- Handled challenging behavior from stressed or anxious animals using calming techniques learned through continuous professional development courses.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
- Administered oral or topical medications to boarding patients as specified by veterinarian in animal's medical record.
- Monitored post-operative recovery processes for surgical patients closely to detect any complications early enough for prompt intervention.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Filed daily progress records, surgery logs, x-ray logs, and routine records.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, and ultrasounds to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Administer medications, vaccines and treatments as instructed by veterinarian.
- Maintained clean examination rooms, equipment, and kennels to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for both patients and staff members.
- Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
- Administered vaccinations to variety of animal species.
- Performed dental cleanings using ultrasonic scaler.
Education
Biology
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SCHigh School Diploma -
Socastee High School
Myrtle Beach, SC06.1988
Skills
- Public Education
- Multitasking Abilities
- Public Speaking
- Equipment operation
- Animal Observations
- Animal Care Expertise
- Veterinary Knowledge
- SOP compliance
- Habitat maintenance
- Medication Administration
- Behavior Observation
- Treatment Administration
Timeline
Zookeeper
Brookgreen Gardens
01.2022 - Current
Zookeeper Intern
Brookgreen Gardens
04.2020 - Current
Butterfly Keeper
Brookgreen Gardens
03.2016 - Current
Veterinary Technician
Lakeside Animal Hospital
11.2004 - 01.2021
Biology
Winthrop University
High School Diploma -
Socastee High School
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