Carnivores / Pinniped Animal Keeper - Full Time

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 maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate a 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 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 m many different types of people and situations.
• Team Player – Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

•  May supervise seasonal staff, 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. The incumbent is regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain. Most 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 work site 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

• Four-year college degree, or relevant zoo experience.
• 2 years of paid experience in the zoo field 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 skid loaders, trailers, and large vehicles.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
• A negative TB test is required.
• A current rabies titer is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Iowa motor vehicle license or ability 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.