Assistant Supervisor of Carnivores and Pinnipeds

Essential Functions

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

• Assists with the supervision of all aspects of animal and exhibit care for species encompassed in the area. Aware of and ensures compliance with USDA/AZA standards, OSHA requirements and AZA code of ethics.
• Collaborates with the Area Supervisors to accomplish the goals of the animal care department by contributing ideas, knowledge and best practices when establishing animal care protocols, procedures, routines, animal area designs, maintenance and area projects.
• Assists with update and oversight of the animal care protocols, training documents, welfare assessments and enrichment documents to ensure all are followed by and satisfactorily completed by all animal keepers/seasonal staff/interns in their area of responsibility.
• Provides input and assists with staff-related management to include but not limited to daily routines, adjusting staff levels, hiring seasonal/temporary keepers, interns and volunteers. Provides feedback and observation in regards to staff development and training.
• Assumes leadership role in supervisors’ absence based on supervisors’ needs: conducts weekly team meetings; communicates animal health concerns; attends weekly meetings with Animal Health team, Animal Care Management and one-on-ones with Director of Animal Care as appropriate.
• Collaborates professionally with all other departments’ staff, volunteers/interns and outside contractors.
• Actively involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fundraising activities.
• Fosters relationships with other zoo professionals, institutions, and organizations.
• Leads by example to create a positive, problem solving and open-minded culture in accordance with the Blank Park Zoo SWEET Values.
• Other duties as assigned by Area Supervisor and the Director of Animal Care.

Competencies

• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics related to modern zoological management, operations of an attraction, and customer service.
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with various 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 as 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

 Supervision of Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal, Temporary Keeper staff; Volunteers and Interns as determined by Area Supervisor

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. The incumbent is regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain. Some of the job tasks are completed outside. Cares for dangerous animals.  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 50-70 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

Other
Working in a dusty environment/ with hay
☐ Never         ☐ Occasionally         ☒ Constantly

Required education and experience

• Preferred 4 year college degree, or currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in animal ecology, biology, or the sciences, or relevant zoo experience. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Intermediate word processing skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

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 golf carts, 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
• First Aid/CPR Training 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.  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.