Professional Resume Template for
Zoo Manager
Derrick J. Thorne
San Diego, CA
(619) 555-0137
derrick.thorne@zoologymail.com
linkedin.com/in/derrick-thorne-zooops | wildlifefacilityinsights.com
Professional Summary
Operations-oriented Zoo Manager with 5 years of experience directing high-standard zoological facilities, supervising animal husbandry programs, and optimizing visitor engagement operations. Expertise includes implementing USDA-compliant safety protocols, coordinating veterinary care schedules, and managing conservation project budgets up to $85,000. Successfully increased facility attendance by 18% and reduced emergency response drill times by 25% through automated communication channels. Proficient with ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System), Tracks software, and Volgistics.
Work Experience
Zoo Manager — Balboa Wildlife Park
San Diego, CA | September 2023 – Present
- Supervised a team of 18 zookeepers and volunteers, coordinating daily husbandry routines for 120 species of mammals and birds while maintaining a 100% compliance rate with federal safety standards.
- Redesigned the animal enrichment tracking logs using Tracks software, reducing weekly documentation review time by 4 hours and lowering administrative workload across the department by 15%.
- Coordinated communication and emergency response routes with 4 veterinary partners, which decreased average transport times for critical animal care incidents by 30% over a 12-month period.
- Managed the annual habitat maintenance budget of $75,000, negotiating volume supply contracts with feed distributors to reduce monthly inventory costs by 12% without reducing dietary standards.
Assistant Zoo Manager — Canyonlands Zoo
Moab, UT | June 2021 – August 2023
- Monitored health patterns and feeding requirements for up to 80 animals daily, administering specialized medications and veterinary-approved diets with a documented 100% dosing accuracy.
- Trained 12 new assistant keepers on USDA handling guidelines and safety procedures, improving staff onboarding speeds by 25% and reducing workplace safety incidents by 40% in a 2-year period.
- Resolved visitor service feedback and scheduling conflicts during peak summer seasons, boosting park customer satisfaction scores by 16% and driving repeat annual pass renewals by 12%.
- Audited digital animal health records using ZIMS software to correct 64 outdated profiles, ensuring complete vaccination verification and compliance with interstate transport regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Zoology
University of California, Davis · Davis, CA · 2021
Skills
Zoo operations, Animal husbandry, Habitat design, USDA compliance, ZIMS, Tracks software, Volgistics, Animal behavior analysis, Emergency coordination, Guest relations, Budget tracking, Volunteer management
Projects
ZIMS Database Integration
Role: Project Leader
Tools: ZIMS, Excel, Slack
Led the migration of 10 years of physical animal records to the ZIMS cloud platform, reducing data retrieval time by 45% and eliminating duplicate records.
Habitat Modernization Initiative
Role: Operations Manager
Tools: Asana, Sketch, Tracks
Spearheaded the redesign of 3 central habitats to improve animal activity space, which increased visitor viewing times by 35% and reduced animal stress indices.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Animal Care Manager (CPACM) (2024)
- Certified Zoological Professional (CZP) (2022)
Additional information
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
- Volunteer Work: Wildlife educator for local schools (2022-present)
- Availability: 3 weeks notice
Job Market Insights
Market data and opportunities for
Zoo Manager
Job Market Insights
$48,000
-
$85,000
Avg:
$65,000
Growth Outlook:
The employment outlook for Zoo Managers in the United States remains stable, influenced by funding levels at municipal, state, and private zoological parks. While wildlife biologist roles show a 2% growth rate, management positions benefit from steady public interest in wildlife conservation and education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that replacement needs will drive approximately 1,400 annual openings in related zoological careers. Candidates combining administrative skills with animal welfare standards will find competitive advantages.
2% growth over 10 years
Key Skills Required
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