- Date Posted
-
September 9, 2021
- Type
-
Seasonal
Job Details
Reports To: Area Supervisor
Status: Non Exempt
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Aquatics team is seeking an aquarist to join the fish, invertebrate, amphibian, and reptile team. The aquarist will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the care and maintenance of aquatic exhibits and quarantine systems, conservation efforts, and zoo facilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are essential to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Preparing diets and distributing food according to feeding schedules.
- Cleaning and performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintain water quality to keep aquatic animals in healthy condition.
- Using scuba and surface-supplied air systems for in-tank animal care and exhibit maintenance.
- Assisting with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedure and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
- Supervising animal care interns, volunteers and/or temporary keepers
- Observing animals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being
- Assisting with animal acquisition, acclimation and quarantine.
- Serving as a customer service liaison through daily contacts with visitors providing information and answering questions.
- Involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fund raising activities.
- Participate in training programs in order to develop and maintain desired husbandry behaviors.
- Comfortably work with venomous and dangerous animals
- Complete daily record keeping
- Cover amphibian and aquatic reptile exhibits and holding areas when needed.
- Other duties assigned by Area Supervisor
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
- Candidate will be expected to operate various equipment.
- Ability to act calmly and professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
COMPETENCIES
- Resourceful - Understanding of, or has the ability to, 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 capacity for detail and follow-up.
- Positive - Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
- Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
- Critical thinking- Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise on a daily basis.
- 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 – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
4 year college degree and paid experience in the zoo field. Experience along with a college degree can be interchangeable at a rate of 1 year of college to 1 year of experience.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to staff and to visitors of all ages.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Intermediate word processing skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.
CERTIFICATES
- Valid Iowa motor vehicle license
- First Aid / CPR training
- SCUBA Certification Open Water minimum
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.
- Standing – Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time.
- Walking – Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time on uneven surfaces such as hills, snow, ice, grass, mud, etc.
- Sitting – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Driving – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Use of hands to lift or handle – Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time.
- Reaching with hands and arms – Approximately between 1/3 and 2/3 of on-the-job time.
- Climbing or balancing – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Talking or hearing – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Tasting or smelling – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time.
- Weight lifted/Force exerted – Ability to bend, twist, lift >50 pounds, etc. to perform animal keeper tasks, non-continuously.
- Vision – Close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY
Ability to function in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. The majority of the job involves being outside.
Contact Information
