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

Dawn Walker

Zoologist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$91,853

Sub-department: Farm
Base pay: $85,453
Overtime: $2,644
Other pay: $3,755
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,853
Hire date: 1997-05-26
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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

Dawn Walker holds the role of Zoologist at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Farm. They have served since 1997 (about 28 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $91,853. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Nick Sarkela

Electromechanical Systems Specialist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$91,551

Sub-department: Planning,Construction&Exhibits
Base pay: $91,025
Overtime: $526
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,551
Hire date: 2017-07-12
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 12
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

Nick Sarkela is a Electromechanical Systems Specialist at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Planning,Construction&Exhibits. Hired in 2017, they have about 8 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $91,551. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Cale Nordmeyer

Research Scientist 1/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$91,298

Sub-department: Conservation & Research
Base pay: $78,601
Overtime: $12,696
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,298
Hire date: 2008-05-25
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 8
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

Cale Nordmeyer works as a Research Scientist 1 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Conservation & Research. Hired in 2008, they have about 17 years of service as a full-time employee. Cale earned $91,298 in 2025. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Wesley Schmidt

Zoo Life Support Coordinator/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$91,295

Sub-department: Aquatics
Base pay: $76,439
Overtime: $10,389
Other pay: $4,467
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,295
Hire date: 2009-11-17
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 7
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

Wesley Schmidt holds the role of Zoo Life Support Coordinator at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Aquatics. Their tenure dates to 2009, about 16 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $91,295. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Geoffrey Hall

Zoo Animal Programs Director/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$91,081

Sub-department: Director's Office
Base pay: $83,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $7,618
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,081
Hire date: 2023-03-15
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 21
Union / bargaining unit: Manager
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: 220
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Geoffrey Hall holds the role of Zoo Animal Programs Director at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Director's Office. They have served since 2023 (about 2 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $91,081. Their bargaining unit is Manager.

Gail Roubinek

Zoologist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$90,326

Sub-department: Farm
Base pay: $84,147
Overtime: $2,835
Other pay: $3,343
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $90,326
Hire date: 2017-05-18
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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

Gail Roubinek works as a Zoologist for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Farm. Hired in 2017, they have about 8 years of service as a full-time employee. Gail earned $90,326 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Christoph Noetzli

Zoo Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$89,598

Sub-department: Animal Care
Base pay: $89,249
Overtime: $349
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,598
Hire date: 2011-09-28
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

Christoph Noetzli is a Zoo Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Care. Hired in 2011, they have about 14 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $89,598. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.

John Discher

Electrician/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$89,339

Sub-department: Skilled Trades
Base pay: $82,682
Overtime: $6,239
Other pay: $418
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,339
Hire date: 2020-12-09
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 96
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

John Discher holds the role of Electrician at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Skilled Trades. They have served since 2020 (about 5 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $89,339. They are represented by Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Kay Grunseth

Human Resources Specialist 2/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$89,050

Sub-department: Human Resources
Base pay: $89,050
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,050
Hire date: 2000-04-17
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
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: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Kay Grunseth holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 2 at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Human Resources. They have served since 2000 (about 25 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $89,050. They are represented by Confidential.

Gina Louise

Exhibit Designer/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$88,853

Sub-department: Planning,Construction&Exhibits
Base pay: $84,771
Overtime: $4,082
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,853
Hire date: 2013-12-18
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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, Gina Louise serves as a Exhibit Designer within Planning,Construction&Exhibits. They have served since 2013 (about 12 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $88,853. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Neil Cole

Management Analyst 2/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$88,719

Sub-department: Sales Box Office & Membership
Base pay: $88,719
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,719
Hire date: 1998-11-20
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 7
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

Neil Cole is a Management Analyst 2 at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Sales Box Office & Membership. Their tenure dates to 1998, about 27 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $88,719. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Terah Grace

Zoologist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$88,403

Sub-department: Aquatics
Base pay: $84,099
Overtime: $4,292
Other pay: $11
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,403
Hire date: 2009-11-30
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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, Terah Grace serves as a Zoologist within Aquatics. Their tenure dates to 2009, about 16 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $88,403. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Gina Goralski

Education Consultant 1/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$88,009

Sub-department: Education
Base pay: $88,009
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,009
Hire date: 1992-04-29
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 12
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

Gina Goralski works as a Education Consultant 1 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Education. Their tenure dates to 1992, about 33 years as a full-time employee. Gina earned $88,009 in 2025. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Ben Hubred

Zoologist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$87,976

Sub-department: Birds
Base pay: $86,412
Overtime: $1,564
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,976
Hire date: 1993-05-08
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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, Ben Hubred serves as a Zoologist within Birds. Their tenure dates to 1993, about 32 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $87,976. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Stephen Hedblum

Plumber Master in Charge/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$87,491

Sub-department: Skilled Trades
Base pay: $84,422
Overtime: $569
Other pay: $2,500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,491
Hire date: 2022-08-03
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 97
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, Stephen Hedblum serves as a Plumber Master in Charge within Skilled Trades. Their tenure dates to 2022, about 3 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $87,491. Union affiliation: Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Daniel Peterson

Zoologist/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$87,311

Sub-department: Aquatics
Base pay: $86,724
Overtime: $587
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,311
Hire date: 1993-11-23
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 10
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, Daniel Peterson serves as a Zoologist within Aquatics. They have served since 1993 (about 32 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $87,311. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Jolene Carlson

Emergency Medical Technician/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2024 total comp

$87,212

Sub-department: Health & Security
Base pay: $87,212
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,212
Hire date: 2005-01-03
Employment type: Intermittent
Pay grade: 64
Union / bargaining unit: Insufficient Work Time
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 0.1
Work county: Dakota

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: No
Agency Number: E77
Bargaining Unit Number: 218
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Jolene Carlson works as a Emergency Medical Technician for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Health & Security. Their tenure dates to 2005, about 19 years as a intermittent, 0.1 FTE employee. Jolene earned $87,212 in 2024. They are represented by Insufficient Work Time.

Breanne Barney

Zoo Supervisor/Minnesota Zoological Garden

2025 total comp

$86,918

Sub-department: Animal Care
Base pay: $81,565
Overtime: $3,396
Other pay: $1,958
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $86,918
Hire date: 2022-02-16
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

Breanne Barney is a Zoo Supervisor at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Care. Hired in 2022, they have about 3 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $86,918. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.