Part-Time Ambassador Animal Keeper

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: $17.75
Reports to: Ambassador Animal Care Manager
Department: Animal Care

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.

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, as well as the alpacas in the Alpaca Acres experience. This position may be expected to assist with and conduct both formal and informal onsite educational programming 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.
• Responsible for maintaining the grounds of public areas in Alpaca Acres. Under the supervision of Rusty Stars Alpacas, understand and assist with the transport of alpacas.
• Adheres to established animal handling and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures.
• Input data, observations, behavioral, and medical notes into daily logs and records.
• Work closely with veterinary staff to provide best possible care for the animals.
• Assist with the research and acquisition of new animals to the collection.
• Participates in discussions and decisions of dispositions of animals in the collection.
• Assist with conducting, reviewing, and discussing animal welfare assessments.
• Assist with proper handling and training of animals, developing training plans, recording of training notes for husbandry needs and programming use.
• Provide daily enrichment, help build/create new enrichment items, record and assess enrichment items.
• Conduct formal and informal onsite programs and guest interactions.
• Participate in membership programs including tours, presentations, and lectures.
• Collaborates with animal care team and education program team to achieve common husbandry and program goals for ambassador animals.
• Collaborates with animal care team, engagement team, and guest services team to achieve common husbandry, program, and guest experience goals for Alpaca Acres.
• 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 as well as assisting with training of new staff.

Competencies

• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as related 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 maintaining 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 verbally and in writing. 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 related to animal care.
• Efficient – Ability to complete tasks 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, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

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.

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
Close vision; Distant vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception; Ability to adjust focus

Lifting Requirement.
> than 50 pounds Up to 50 pounds Up to 40 pounds Up to 25 pounds Up to 10 pounds

Required education and experience

• Must be pursuing or have received a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology, or a related field.
• 1 years of paid experience in animal husbandry (preferably in a zoo setting).
• Experience in interpretation and/or education is encouraged, but not required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Excel spreadsheets, and Google drive is encouraged.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo
• Must be able to operate various equipment, including skid loaders, trailers, and large vehicles.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Iowa motor vehicle license
• Willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Training
  

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. Click or tap here to enter text.

EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives 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. 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.

To apply, click here.