Minnesota Zoological Garden

Sub-department

Education

Base pay

$70,164

Overtime

$213

Other pay

$12

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$70,389

Hire date

2008-05-21

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

Leah Darst is a Education Consultant 1 at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Education. They have served since 2008 (about 17 years), working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $70,389. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Tropics & MN Trail

Base pay

$68,070

Overtime

$2,300

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$70,370

Hire date

2007-05-26

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Adam Keniger works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Tropics & MN Trail. Hired in 2007, they have about 18 years of service as a full-time employee. Adam earned $70,370 in 2025. They are represented by Technical.

Sub-department

Behavioral & Wellbeing

Base pay

$70,147

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$70,147

Hire date

2021-10-27

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

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Rachel Peters serves as a State Program Administrative Intermediate within Behavioral & Wellbeing. Their tenure dates to 2021, about 4 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $70,147. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Learning & Engagement

Base pay

$70,116

Overtime

$8

Other pay

$10

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$70,134

Hire date

2023-05-10

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

12

Union / bargaining unit

Middle Management Association

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Matthew Alley serves as a State Program Administrative Supervisor within Learning & Engagement. Hired in 2023, they have about 2 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $70,134. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.

Sub-department

Planning,Construction&Exhibits

Base pay

$69,385

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$69,385

Hire date

2016-09-07

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

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Robert O'Donnell serves as a Management Analyst 3 within Planning,Construction&Exhibits. Hired in 2016, they have about 9 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $69,385. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Aquatics

Base pay

$67,284

Overtime

$2,051

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$69,334

Hire date

2023-01-04

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Nicole Williamson works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Aquatics. They have served since 2023 (about 2 years) as a full-time employee. Nicole earned $69,334 in 2025. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Farm

Base pay

$63,177

Overtime

$5,234

Other pay

$882

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$69,293

Hire date

2017-07-10

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Marian Newland serves as a Zoo Farm Keeper within Farm. Hired in 2017, they have about 8 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $69,293. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Northern Trail

Base pay

$65,563

Overtime

$3,401

Other pay

$207

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$69,171

Hire date

2018-01-19

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Carsen Rodeback is a Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Northern Trail. Hired in 2018, they have about 7 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $69,171. They are represented by Technical.

Sub-department

Skilled Trades

Base pay

$68,695

Overtime

$397

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$69,092

Hire date

2017-02-27

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

90

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Lea Mowan serves as a Painter within Skilled Trades. They have served since 2017 (about 8 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $69,092. Their bargaining unit is Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Skilled Trades

Base pay

$68,695

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,695

Hire date

2005-10-19

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

90

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Jean Bernier holds the role of Carpenter at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Skilled Trades. Their tenure dates to 2005, about 20 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $68,695. They are represented by Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Skilled Trades

Base pay

$68,695

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,695

Hire date

2017-04-03

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

90

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

James Bertram works as a Carpenter for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Skilled Trades. Their tenure dates to 2017, about 8 years as a full-time employee. James earned $68,695 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Campus & Fleet Operations

Base pay

$61,545

Overtime

$1,167

Other pay

$5,930

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,643

Hire date

2001-06-15

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

86

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Andrew Payne serves as a Laborer Trades & Equipment within Campus & Fleet Operations. They have served since 2001 (about 24 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $68,643. Union affiliation: Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Ambassador Animals

Base pay

$66,956

Overtime

$1,521

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,477

Hire date

2015-06-01

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

Jessica Larios De La Mora is a Zoologist at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Ambassador Animals. Hired in 2015, they have about 10 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $68,477. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Education

Base pay

$68,181

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,181

Hire date

2022-02-02

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

12

Union / bargaining unit

Middle Management Association

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Jessica Ehrenreich serves as a Interpret Naturalist Supervisor 1 within Education. Hired in 2022, they have about 3 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $68,181. They are represented by Middle Management Association.

Sub-department

Marketing

Base pay

$63,666

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$4,452

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$68,118

Hire date

2019-02-20

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

19

Union / bargaining unit

Middle Management Association

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Zachary Nugent works as a Information Officer 4 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Marketing. They have served since 2019 (about 6 years) as a full-time employee. Zachary earned $68,118 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Middle Management Association.

Sub-department

Tropics & MN Trail

Base pay

$64,846

Overtime

$3,066

Other pay

$46

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,959

Hire date

2022-01-19

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Sandra Erickson is a Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Tropics & MN Trail. Their tenure dates to 2022, about 3 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $67,959. Their bargaining unit is Technical.

Sub-department

Health & Security

Base pay

$60,105

Overtime

$4,377

Other pay

$3,312

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,794

Hire date

2000-11-30

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

64

Union / bargaining unit

Service

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Francis Blaha serves as a Emergency Medical Technician within Health & Security. Their tenure dates to 2000, about 25 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $67,794. Union affiliation: Service.

Sub-department

Skilled Trades

Base pay

$67,489

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,489

Hire date

2007-07-06

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

90

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Ryan Hassler serves as a Locksmith within Skilled Trades. They have served since 2007 (about 18 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $67,489. Their bargaining unit is Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Birds

Base pay

$64,880

Overtime

$2,575

Other pay

$3

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,459

Hire date

2017-05-01

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Cara Templeton works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Birds. Their tenure dates to 2017, about 8 years as a full-time employee. Cara earned $67,459 in 2025. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Campus & Fleet Operations

Base pay

$62,712

Overtime

$3,902

Other pay

$815

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,429

Hire date

2014-06-19

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

86

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Jared Engesser works as a Laborer Trades & Equipment for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus & Fleet Operations. Hired in 2014, they have about 11 years of service as a full-time employee. Jared earned $67,429 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Northern Trail

Base pay

$62,538

Overtime

$4,725

Other pay

$103

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,365

Hire date

2014-05-09

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Mitchell Hendrickson is a Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Northern Trail. Their tenure dates to 2014, about 11 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $67,365. They are represented by Technical.

Sub-department

Aquatics

Base pay

$61,613

Overtime

$5,710

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,323

Hire date

2023-02-15

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Abigail Tatreau works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Aquatics. Hired in 2023, they have about 2 years of service as a full-time employee. Abigail earned $67,323 in 2025. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Health & Security

Base pay

$61,360

Overtime

$5,870

Other pay

$73

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$67,303

Hire date

2015-05-28

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

64

Union / bargaining unit

Service

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Noah Wallace serves as a Emergency Medical Technician within Health & Security. They have served since 2015 (about 10 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $67,303. Their bargaining unit is Service.

Sub-department

Ambassador Animals

Base pay

$65,535

Overtime

$1,414

Other pay

$2

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,950

Hire date

2013-05-23

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

5

Union / bargaining unit

MN Assoc of Professional Empl

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Taryn Mcdermott works as a Interpret Naturalist 1 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Ambassador Animals. Hired in 2013, they have about 12 years of service as a full-time employee. Taryn earned $66,950 in 2025. They are represented by MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Ambassador Animals

Base pay

$62,444

Overtime

$4,122

Other pay

$49

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,614

Hire date

2022-11-23

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Zachary Copeland serves as a Zoo Keeper within Ambassador Animals. They have served since 2022 (about 3 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $66,614. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Communications

Base pay

$66,563

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,563

Hire date

2019-05-01

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

Courtney Sullivan works as a Information Officer 2 for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Communications. Their tenure dates to 2019, about 6 years as a full-time employee. Courtney earned $66,563 in 2025. Union affiliation: MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Guest Experience

Base pay

$62,038

Overtime

$137

Other pay

$4,313

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,488

Hire date

2021-11-10

Employment type

Part-Time

Pay grade

18

Union / bargaining unit

MN Assoc of Professional Empl

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Allan Kestler is a State Program Administrative Coordinator at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Guest Experience. They have served since 2021 (about 4 years), working part-time. 2025 total compensation came to $66,488. Their bargaining unit is MN Assoc of Professional Empl.

Sub-department

Health & Security

Base pay

$60,816

Overtime

$5,226

Other pay

$317

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,360

Hire date

2009-01-07

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

66

Union / bargaining unit

Service

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Timothy Heiple holds the role of Campus Security Officer at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Health & Security. Their tenure dates to 2009, about 16 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $66,360. Union affiliation: Service.

Sub-department

Skilled Trades

Base pay

$66,073

Overtime

$286

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,359

Hire date

2024-04-10

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

92

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Dacoda Waas holds the role of Welder at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Skilled Trades. Their tenure dates to 2024, about a year as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $66,359. Their bargaining unit is Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Campus & Fleet Operations

Base pay

$62,148

Overtime

$3,674

Other pay

$431

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,253

Hire date

2015-06-01

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

86

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Jeffrey Kuebelbeck works as a Laborer Trades & Equipment for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus & Fleet Operations. Hired in 2015, they have about 10 years of service as a full-time employee. Jeffrey earned $66,253 in 2025. Union affiliation: Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Aquatics

Base pay

$63,850

Overtime

$2,351

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,201

Hire date

2023-06-07

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

At Minnesota Zoological Garden, Andrew Shelquist serves as a Zoo Keeper within Aquatics. They have served since 2023 (about 2 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $66,201. Their bargaining unit is Technical.

Sub-department

Building Services

Base pay

$53,651

Overtime

$8,695

Other pay

$3,708

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$66,054

Hire date

2023-04-26

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

66

Union / bargaining unit

Service

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Julia Hanson holds the role of General Maintenance Worker Lead at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Building Services. Their tenure dates to 2023, about 2 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $66,054. Their bargaining unit is Service.

Sub-department

Northern Trail

Base pay

$62,110

Overtime

$3,700

Other pay

$177

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,987

Hire date

2018-05-16

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Shelby Seckora holds the role of Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Northern Trail. Hired in 2018, they have about 7 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $65,987. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Campus & Fleet Operations

Base pay

$60,056

Overtime

$4,706

Other pay

$888

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,650

Hire date

2020-07-08

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

86

Union / bargaining unit

Craft, Maintenance, Labor

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Jessie Bernfeld works as a Laborer Trades & Equipment for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus & Fleet Operations. They have served since 2020 (about 5 years) as a full-time employee. Jessie earned $65,650 in 2025. They are represented by Craft, Maintenance, Labor.

Sub-department

Northern Trail

Base pay

$62,119

Overtime

$3,251

Other pay

$153

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,522

Hire date

2024-02-28

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Brittany Canham is a Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Northern Trail. Hired in 2024, they have about a year of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $65,522. They are represented by Technical.

Sub-department

Tropics & MN Trail

Base pay

$63,013

Overtime

$2,495

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,507

Hire date

2017-03-27

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Angela Carlson works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Tropics & MN Trail. They have served since 2017 (about 8 years) as a full-time employee. Angela earned $65,507 in 2025. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Animal Health

Base pay

$65,178

Overtime

$0

Other pay

$0

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,178

Hire date

2008-01-07

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

70

Union / bargaining unit

Clerical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Laurie Kokkeler holds the role of Executive 2 at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Animal Health. Hired in 2008, they have about 17 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $65,178. They are represented by Clerical.

Sub-department

Campus Planning & Management

Base pay

$58,090

Overtime

$6,926

Other pay

$10

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$65,026

Hire date

2021-07-07

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

9

Union / bargaining unit

Middle Management Association

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Sir De Conquest holds the role of Building Services Supervisor 2 at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Campus Planning & Management. They have served since 2021 (about 3 years) as a full-time employee. In 2024, their total compensation was $65,026. Union affiliation: Middle Management Association.

Sub-department

Ambassador Animals

Base pay

$63,960

Overtime

$805

Other pay

$17

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$64,782

Hire date

2015-04-22

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Jennifer Zuehlke works as a Zoo Keeper for Minnesota Zoological Garden within Ambassador Animals. They have served since 2015 (about 10 years) as a full-time employee. Jennifer earned $64,782 in 2025. Union affiliation: Technical.

Sub-department

Birds

Base pay

$60,257

Overtime

$4,001

Other pay

$49

Benefits

$0

Total compensation

$64,307

Hire date

2024-05-22

Employment type

Full-Time

Pay grade

69

Union / bargaining unit

Technical

Pay basis

Hourly

Full-time equivalent (FTE)

1

Work county

Dakota

Camille Miller is a Zoo Keeper at Minnesota Zoological Garden within Birds. Hired in 2024, they have about a year of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $64,307. Their bargaining unit is Technical.