Minnesota / Minnesota Zoological Garden

Agency file

Minnesota Zoological Garden

Source file: Minnesota — State Employee Payroll / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The Minnesota Zoological Garden is a government agency that delivers public services and programs within its jurisdiction.

In 2025, this agency had 487 employees with median total compensation of $46,651; the highest distinct record was $405,933.

Year: 2025
Total payroll: $21.6M
Employees: 487
Median total: $46,651
Highest record: $405,933

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$389$129,641+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How 2025 total compensation is spread across the 487 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($46,651) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $42,388 (96%)
Overtime — $1,212 (3%)
Other — $716 (2%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$3,509

$7,460

$46,651

$69,092

$89,050

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $89,050 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $3,509. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Student Worker Clerical

78 · $4,293

Zoo Keeper

66 · $59,763

Interpret Naturalist 1

51 · $10,022

Customer Services Specialist

35 · $23,323

General Maintenance Worker

19 · $25,372

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Trend

Year over year

How this department's total payroll, headcount, and median pay changed across the 2 published years.

Year	Total payroll	Employees	Median pay
2024	$19.6M —	500 —	$31,947 —
2025	$21.6M ▲ 10.1%	487 ▼ 2.6%	$46,651 ▲ 46.0%

Record list

Employees

Page 1

John Mitchell

Zoo Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$102,390

Sub-department: Animal Care
Base pay: $100,249
Overtime: $2,142
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,390
Hire date: 2021-12-08
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

John Mitchell is a Zoo Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Care. Their tenure dates to 2021, about 4 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $102,390. Their bargaining unit is Middle Management Association.

Kenneth Gangi

Building Maintenance Supervisor 2/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$101,905

Sub-department: Campus Planning & Management
Base pay: $99,961
Overtime: $1,929
Other pay: $16
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,905
Hire date: 2013-09-03
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Kenneth Gangi works as a Building Maintenance Supervisor 2 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus Planning & Management. Their tenure dates to 2013, about 12 years as a full-time employee. Kenneth earned $101,905 in 2025. They are represented by Middle Management Association.

Julia Campbell

State Program Administrative Supervisor Principal/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$101,339

Sub-department: Deputy Director Office
Base pay: $101,078
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $261
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,339
Hire date: 2018-11-20
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Julia Campbell holds the role of State Program Administrative Supervisor Principal at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Deputy Director Office. Their tenure dates to 2018, about 7 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $101,339. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.

Stephanie Zec

Veterinarian/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$100,713

Sub-department: Animal Health
Base pay: $85,858
Overtime: $524
Other pay: $14,331
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,713
Hire date: 2023-07-05
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 17
Union / bargaining unit: Health Treatment Professional
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: No
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 213
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Stephanie Zec works as a Veterinarian for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Health. They have served since 2023 (about 2 years) as a full-time employee. Stephanie earned $100,713 in 2025. They are represented by Health Treatment Professional.

David Lohrer

Stationary Engineer/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$99,634

Sub-department: Engineering
Base pay: $80,541
Overtime: $16,235
Other pay: $2,858
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,634
Hire date: 2018-04-04
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 95
Union / bargaining unit: Craft, Maintenance, Labor
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 202
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, David Lohrer serves as a Stationary Engineer within Engineering. Their tenure dates to 2018, about 7 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $99,634. They are represented by Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Kimberly Thomas

Zoo Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$98,844

Sub-department: Campus Planning & Management
Base pay: $98,844
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,844
Hire date: 1984-04-09
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Kimberly Thomas is a Zoo Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus Planning & Management. Their tenure dates to 1984, about 41 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $98,844. Their bargaining unit is Middle Management Association.

Diana Weinhardt-Treangen

Zoo Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$98,662

Sub-department: Animal Care
Base pay: $99,201
Overtime: -$539
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,662
Hire date: 2007-05-17
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Diana Weinhardt-Treangen is a Zoo Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Care. Hired in 2007, they have about 18 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $98,662. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.

Claire Ross

Zoo Guest Services Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$98,121

Sub-department: Guest Experience
Base pay: $96,697
Overtime: $1,338
Other pay: $87
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,121
Hire date: 1989-06-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 16
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Claire Ross serves as a Zoo Guest Services Supervisor within Guest Experience. Hired in 1989, they have about 36 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $98,121. They are represented by Middle Management Association.

Vicki Sewich

Zoo Guest Services Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$97,927

Sub-department: Guest Experience
Base pay: $94,887
Overtime: $2,941
Other pay: $99
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,927
Hire date: 1989-03-23
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 16
Union / bargaining unit: Middle Management Association
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 216
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Vicki Sewich is a Zoo Guest Services Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Guest Experience. Hired in 1989, they have about 36 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $97,927. Their bargaining unit is Middle Management Association.

Xe Yang

Planning Director State/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2024 total comp

$97,905

Sub-department: Planning,Construction&Exhibits
Base pay: $97,905
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,905
Hire date: 2016-10-05
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 18
Union / bargaining unit: MN Assoc of Professional Empl
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 214
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Xe Yang holds the role of Planning Director State at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Planning,Construction&Exhibits. Hired in 2016, they have about 8 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2024, their total compensation was $97,905. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Tyler Ahnemann

State Program Administrative Principal/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$97,734

Sub-department: Learning & Engagement
Base pay: $97,734
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,734
Hire date: 2010-08-11
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 14
Union / bargaining unit: MN Assoc of Professional Empl
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 214
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Tyler Ahnemann holds the role of State Program Administrative Principal at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Learning & Engagement. Hired in 2010, they have about 15 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $97,734. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Richard Hawley

State Program Administrative Principal/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$97,734

Sub-department: Marketing
Base pay: $97,734
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,734
Hire date: 2007-07-18
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 14
Union / bargaining unit: MN Assoc of Professional Empl
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 214
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Richard Hawley serves as a State Program Administrative Principal within Marketing. They have served since 2007 (about 18 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $97,734. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Kelly Kappen

State Program Administrative Principal/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$97,565

Sub-department: Animal Health
Base pay: $96,019
Overtime: $1,546
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,565
Hire date: 2022-06-08
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 14
Union / bargaining unit: MN Assoc of Professional Empl
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 214
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Kelly Kappen is a State Program Administrative Principal at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Health. Hired in 2022, they have about 3 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $97,565. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.