Seasonal Ambassador Animal Keeper

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

FLSA Classification : Nonexempt

Salary Grade : $14 / hour

Reports to : Ambassador Animal Care Manager

Department : Animal Care

Position Purpose

Under the direction of the Ambassador Animal Care Manager, this position will be responsible for the daily husbandry and care of the Ambassador Animal collection consisting of varied species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

This position is expected to assist with and conduct guest interactions for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the Animal Keeper supports our Zoo Mission which is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provides husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in daily cleaning and enclosure maintenance, diet preparation, administering medications, feeding, training, and enrichment.
• Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor.
• Works closely with area supervisor and veterinary staff to provide best possible care for the animals.
• Adheres to established animal handling and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures.
• Assists in daily handling of animals for husbandry needs and programming use.
• Assists in animal training, and recording of training notes for husbandry needs and programming use.
• Provides daily enrichment, help build / create new enrichment items, and record enrichment into daily log.
• Conducts guest interactions.
• Collaborates with animal care team, engagement team, and guest services team to achieve common husbandry, program, and guest experience goals.
• Functions effectively in both team and individual settings, and works toward adopting and creating best animal welfare practices.
• Identifies and communicates with maintenance of repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• Works closely with, oversees, mentors, and supports volunteers and interns of all ages.

Competencies

• Resourceful Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to modern zoological management, operations of an attraction and customer service.
• Flexible Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintain composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Communicator Communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills.
• Critical Thinker Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
• Innovative Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to animal care.
• Efficient Ability to complete task in a thorough but quick manner.
• Customer-oriented Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations.
• Team Player Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.

Supervisory / Management Responsibilities

Assists with supervision of interns and volunteers.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk on even terrain, climb, and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines, and equipment.

Most of the job tasks are completed inside. However, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain.

Some work is required in small and / or confined spaces. Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and / or fingers.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Operating machinery and / or power tools.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Driving.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling

Never Occasionally Constantly

Reaching with hands and arms.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Tasting or smelling.

Never Occasionally Constantly

Vision

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses / Certifications

Valid motor vehicle license or ability to obtain.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Experience Required

Must have completed or working towards a four-year college degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology, or a related field.

Prior years of paid experience in animal husbandry (particularly in a zoo setting) preferred. Experience in interpretation and / or education is encouraged, but not required.

Experience with Microsoft office, Excel spreadsheets, and Google drive are encouraged.

Further Comments

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law.

Perks

We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.

Salary

$14 / hour