Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo

Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$20 adults, $15 children
 

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Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$20 adults, $15 children
 

View All Rates ›
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Seasonal Commissary Keeper

Date Posted
January 16, 2025
Type
Seasonal

Job Details

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: To be determined
Reports to: Commissary Area Supervisor
Department: Animal Care

Position Purpose

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

  • Keep the commissary areas clean and organized. Perform regular quality assurance checks, monitor product freshness, and check expiration dates of stock.
  • 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.
  • Provides for husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in daily cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, training, enrichment, and daily observations.
  • Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor. Maintains accurate records of animal collection daily.
  • Cooperate and assist with veterinary treatments and instructions, which may include safely working free-contact situations.
  • Participate in membership programs including tours, presentations, and lectures.
  • Adheres to established animal handling, neonate, and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision captures, restrains, and transports animals.
  • Identifies and communicates with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.


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 maintain 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 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 as related to animal care.
  • Efficient – Ability to complete task 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 be assigned interns or volunteers. 

Work Environment

Grounds/Maintenance/Animal Care

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. 

 

Events, Guests Services

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.  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. 
 

Office

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.

Requirements

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 skid loaders, 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
     

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.
 

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.

Contact Information

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