CHEE THAO
Biggera Waters,NSW
Summary
Dynamic Marine Animal Trainer with over 15 years of experience at SeaWorld, recognized as Team Member of the Year in 2015. Expert in operant conditioning and an effective communicatior, I excel in mentoring teams and enhancing animal welfare. Proven problem-solver, I thrive under pressure while fostering teamwork and loyalty in high-stakes environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Animal Trainer
SeaWorld
10.2019 - Current
- Team member of the year for Seaworld 2015.
- Animal trainer specialist for five different departments.
- Great understanding of operant conditioning with over 15 years experience working with various marine mammals and birds.
- Active team member in research and rescues when called upon.
- Active team member holding a gun licence (Category C) for Polar Bear control in the event of an emergency situation.
- Person of contact in the absence of Supervisor and performing duties and responsibilities in assigned areas.
- Mentoring and training team members to a high degree of excellence and professionalism.
- Training and maintaining complex behaviours with several species over various departments.
- Educating guests through interactive programs, scheduled keeper talks, school and university talks and presentations.
- Knowledge of animal welfare and the use of programs to assist with this including Oerca and Zoomonitor.
- Improved overall team performance with thorough reviews and constructive feedback.
- Increased operational capabilities through the regular maintenance of vehicles, weapons systems, and other essential equipment.
- Demonstrated resilience under pressure by consistently performing at a high level despite challenging conditions or unforeseen obstacles.
- Established strong working relationships with relevant parties for stranding and entanglement rescues.
- Upheld code of conduct and maintained professionalism in stressful situations.
Locations Assistant Manager
Paramount Pictures
03.2019 - 05.2019
- Monster Problems, later retitled Lovers and Monsters.
- Contributed to the overall aesthetic of productions by assisting in set dressing and design.
- Provided valuable input during creative meetings, offering insights based on firsthand location visits.
- Coordinated essential amenities such as catering services, restrooms, power supplies at locations contributing to a smooth workflow.
- Assisted in securing film permits for smooth on-site operations and timely project completion.
- Streamlined location scouting by efficiently researching and organizing potential sites.
- Established positive relationships with local businesses and property owners to secure filming permissions.
- Prioritized safety protocols while scouting locations, minimizing risks to cast and crew members during filming activities.
- Ensured timely setup and breakdown of sets by coordinating transportation and equipment rentals.
- Enhanced communication between departments by effectively coordinating logistics and schedules.
- Optimized efficiency on set by implementing streamlined processes for crew check-in and parking arrangements.
- Managed detailed documentation of location agreements for future reference or potential re-shoots requirements.
- Facilitated successful shoots by managing on-set resources and maintaining a safe environment.
- Stayed alert, active, and ready to respond to any request at any time using variety of available resources.
- Assisted crews with set building and pointed out problems that could be potential safety issues.
- Maintained schedules, managed deadlines, and interfaced with teammates to support production activities.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with media professionals.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Navigated complex regulations for filming in public spaces, ensuring minimal disruptions to local communities.
- Expedited problem-solving during shoots by promptly addressing unexpected challenges or setbacks onlocation.
Locations Assistant
Village Roadshow Studios
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Dora the Explorer live action film.
- Navigated complex regulations for filming in public spaces, ensuring minimal disruptions to local communities.
- Provided valuable input during creative meetings, offering insights based on firsthand location visits.
- Enhanced communication between departments by effectively coordinating logistics and schedules.
- Optimized efficiency on set by implementing streamlined processes for crew check-in and parking arrangements.
- Prioritized safety protocols while scouting locations, minimizing risks to cast and crew members during filming activities.
- Established positive relationships with local businesses and property owners to secure filming permissions.
- Facilitated successful shoots by managing on-set resources and maintaining a safe environment.
- Contributed to the overall aesthetic of productions by assisting in set dressing and design.
- Expedited problem-solving during shoots by promptly addressing unexpected challenges or setbacks onlocation.
- Stayed alert, active, and ready to respond to any request at any time using variety of available resources.
- Assisted crews with set building and pointed out problems that could be potential safety issues.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with media professionals.
Kitchen Hand
China Rose
04.2001 - 10.2009
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation by thoroughly washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Maintained a well-organized work area by consistently cleaning surfaces and organizing supplies.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Enhanced employee performance and satisfaction by establishing clear goals and providing regular feedback.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, maintaining safe environment for both staff and customers.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Supported chefs in food preparation tasks such as chopping ingredients, peeling vegetables, and marinating meats.
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff members to ensure smooth workflow during peak dining hours.
- Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
- Followed proper handling and sanitation procedures to comply with food safety standards and protocols.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Plated and presented food following chef requirements.
- Assisted with meal presentation, garnishing dishes, and arranging serving platters to create an appealing visual display.
- Followed recipes and chef instructions to prepare food correctly.
- Transported food items from storage areas to kitchen for prepping.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
- Maintained proper food storage procedures to preserve ingredient freshness while minimizing risks of contamination or spoilage.
- Unloaded food deliveries and stored items in proper locations for easy access.
- Operated kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Prepared simple menu items independently when necessary while maintaining high-quality standards set forth by chefs or supervisors.
- Reduced waste by effectively managing inventory levels and rotating stock to maintain freshness.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by quickly resolving issues related to food quality or preparation times.
Youth Leader
Southside International Church
04.2001 - 06.2004
- Served as a positive role model for young individuals, demonstrating responsible decision-making skills and ethical behavior.
- Collaborated with other Youth Leaders to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
- Encouraged youth to explore talents and interests, and assisted in developing individualized plans to foster personal growth.
- Developed rapport with young participants, providing support and guidance in their personal challenges.
- Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive games and team-building activities.
- Maintained good relationships with parents through regular communication and active participation in planned activities.
- Participated in regular meetings with leadership team to discuss strategies, challenges and successes.
- Organized group activities and outings for youth and led weekly Bible study meetings.
- Organized successful fundraising events, securing resources for youth programs.
- Engaged youth by following, implementing, and assisting in creating lesson plans.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Sciences & Wildlife Management
Griffith University
QLD11-2009
Skills
- Discipline and focus
- Quick decision making
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork and loyalty
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Effective communication
- Self motivation
- Professionalism
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hmong
Full Professional
Timeline
Marine Animal Trainer
SeaWorld
10.2019 - Current
Locations Assistant Manager
Paramount Pictures
03.2019 - 05.2019
Locations Assistant
Village Roadshow Studios
08.2018 - 11.2018
Kitchen Hand
China Rose
04.2001 - 10.2009
Youth Leader
Southside International Church
04.2001 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Science - Marine Sciences & Wildlife Management
Griffith University
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