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

Blank Park Zoo is looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, self-starter who is highly motivated to assist with event execution. The Seasonal Events Associate is responsible for providing direct support to the event and rental team. This position will spend the majority of time on-site at events and rentals.

Essential Functions

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.

Assist with onsite rental groups, including but not limited to weddings, company outings and elementary school family nights.
Assist with setup and tear down of events and rentals.
Assist with execution of in-house and public events such as Zoo Brew and Night Eyes.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
Maintain a strong relationship and good communication with the Zoo’s preferred caterer, staff, and volunteers.
Additional tasks as assigned by Event Supervisors, Events Manager or Department Director.

Competencies

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 written. Effective listening skills.
Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
Innovative – Ability to propose creative solutions and create wow experiences for clients.
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 supervisors and team to achieve common goals.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events and tours. The incumbent may be required to travel to other locations and meetings. This individual may be exposed to computer monitors. The noise level is moderate.

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 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

Interest or experience in public relations, event management, communications or related field preferred.
Experience working in sales, event planning and/or with children preferred.

Additional eligibility requirements

Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
Must be able and willing to work outside a standard work week, including nights and weekends as needed.
Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
Ability to handle a flexible workload and schedule.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid Iowa motor vehicle license or ability to obtain.
Other training as required (TIPS, etc.).

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.

Affirmative Action/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.