Shane Vrbicky

I graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a degree in Environmental Studies - the interdisciplinary, systematic study of human interactions with the environment around them. “It is a broad field of study that includes natural environment, built environments, social environments, organizational environments, and sets of relationships between them (National Center for Education Statistics, 2000).” I decided to enroll in Environmental Studies after a family trip to Lake Tahoe, California where I saw both the beauty of nature as well as the death of it from the rampant wildfires present in the region. I knew I wanted to do something to protect our natural world and the communities that live within them. Since then, I have worked with Platte River State Park as an Office Support Specialist as well as an Education Intern at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Platte River helped me further hone my exceptional communication and customer relations skills. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium provided me with unique challenges such as leading various workshops and tours with students who visited the zoo as well as creating the newsletter for the summer months of the Education Department. All of these experiences served to expand my current skillsets while developing new skills such as adaptability and using creative approaches to problem-solving. I am currently looking for a position in which I can combine my love and passion for nature with my enthusiasm for being able to talk and connect with others. The Community Engagement Specialist position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium seems like a perfect fit for me!

05/2020 - Present Server, Omaha Tap House - Omaha, NE

• My responsibilities include tracking multiple flows of income simultaneously, development of strong client relationships, and working as part of a team. While developing necessary people skills, I worked with technology, and helped create efficiencies for the company.

• Increased educational expertise and knowledge by leading students through educational workshops and guided tours through various exhibits within the Zoo.
• Fostered student curiosity, interest, and knowledge of the environment through creative hands-on activities.
• Created and developed 17 lesson plans for the Zoo’s Education Department to meet students' academic needs, helping students explore environmental concepts with engaging and learning-focused activities.

• Established excellent customer service through taking phone calls, overseeing email correspondence, booking in-person and over-the-phone reservations, and managing existing residents for thousands in a season.
• Cross-training to be able to assist Grounds Maintenance teams, providing support through landscaping, construction, and event preparation.

• Provided excellent customer service while fulfilling all needed inshop responsibilities including taking multiple orders, managing the cash register, and making sandwiches.

• University of Nebraska, Lincoln. BA in Environmental Studies. 
  • 3.420 GPA. Dean's List Spring of 2022. 
  • FIALA Award Recipient - Czech Language Foundation. 
  • CHAB Scholarship Recipient - Czech Language Foundation.