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

The Commissary and Quarantine Keeper is responsible for the daily care of quarantine animals and daily preparation of animal diets according to the established procedures. Additionally, the Commissary and Quarantine 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.

Prepare, store, and stock food, supplies, purchase orders and packages for all zoo departments.
Assist in the procurement of animal diets from approved vendors, clean and maintain animal diet freezers and refrigerators according to AZA / USDA standards while also cleaning, maintaining, storing, and assisting in the areas of responsibility.
Perform regular quality assurance checks, monitor product freshness, and check expiration dates of stock items.
Adheres to established animal handling and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals.
Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to the area supervisor. Maintains accurate records of animal collection daily.
Cooperate and assist with veterinary treatments and instructions, which may include safely working in free-contact situations.
Participate in membership programs including tours, presentations, and lectures.
Provides for the husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in diet preparation, daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and daily observations.
Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
Identifies and communicates with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.

Requirements

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 various 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 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 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. Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces. Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors. The incumbent may be required travel to other locations and to meetings. This individual may be exposed to computer monitors. The noise level is moderate. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment.

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

Four-year college degree, or relevant zoo experience.
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 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 or ability to obtain
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.

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.