Blank Park Zoo is seeking a seasonal aquarist to join the fish, invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, and otter team. The aquarist will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the care and maintenance of the freshwater aquarium routine.

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.
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 and/or volunteers temporary.
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 otter, fish, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate exhibits and holding areas when needed.
Other duties assigned by Area Supervisor

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Candidate should have knowledge of water quality, life support systems, common herpetological diseases, and ability to identify amphibian and reptile species. 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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Completion of two years of college with major course work in marine biology, zoology, or related natural science and one to two years of unpaid or paid experience in the care of captive fish and invertebrate species in a zoological setting.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

Ability to communicate effectively to all ages of visitors and staff.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to understand written reports and animal data collection.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

Ability to participate in research projects, write appropriate articles, communicate with colleagues, present findings at conferences.

COMPUTER SKILLS

All normal computer business skills required

COMPETENCIES

Understanding of modern zoological and aquarium management, ability to research all applicable topics.

CERTIFICATES

Scuba certification required, Iowa motor vehicle license

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 perform the essential functions.

Ability to bend, twist, lift >50 pounds, climb ladders etc. to perform animal and exhibit care tasks. Ability to haul out of exhibits when diving. Must be able to visually observe subtle changes in animal behaviors or health. Must meet all demands of the Dive Manual health requirements and physical abilities. Must be able to use hand held communication devices.

Contact Information

Please complete the Blank Park Zoo on-line application and attach a cover letter and resume.

Click here for the online application

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give 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.

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