Date Posted
November 18, 2022
Type
Full Time

Job Details
It is an exciting time to work at the Blank Park Zoo as many projects are in the works. A new Lion center with two exhibits, a renovated tiger center with three exhibits and new holding and life support system for Pinnipeds will be constructed over the next few years.
Current animals in area: (*represents current or future breeding group)
Amur Tiger*
African Lion*
California Sea Lion
Harbor Seal*
White-handed Gibbon
Ring-tailed Lemur
Magellanic Penguin*
PURPOSE OF POSITION
To manage day-to-day operations of a specific area of the animal care department. Supervise personnel and assure adherence to established zoo protocols and practices. Focus on communication within and outside the department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists with the supervision of all aspects of animal and exhibit care for species encompassed in the area.
• Contributes ideas, knowledge and best practices when establishing animal care protocols, procedures and routines.
• Collaborates with the Area Supervisors to accomplish goals of the animal care department.
• Assists with oversight of the animal care, training program, and enrichment protocols are followed by and satisfactorily completed by all animal keepers/seasonal staff/interns in their area of responsibility.
• Communicates health concerns with the Area Supervisor and attends veterinary meetings as needed.
• Provides feedback and observations in regards to staff development and training.
• Ensures compliance with the Zoo’s Safety program including OSHA requirements, maintenance of safety equipment and MSDS binders.
• Undertakes a leadership role on the zoo’s safety committee with a focus on animal safety and keeper safety.
• Develops a safety checklist to be used in the Carnivore & Pinniped team as well as other animal care teams.
• Develops an evaluation tool to regularly assess the exhibits including maintenance issues, aesthetics, and safety.
• If appropriate, could act as Escape Coordinator and shoot team member.
• Assists with design and maintenance of landscapes in and outside of animal exhibits.
• Provides input to animal keeper routines and makes adjustments as staffing levels demand.
• Involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fundraising activities.
• Fosters relationships with other zoo professionals, institutions, and organizations.
• Other duties as assigned by Area Supervisor and Chief Animal Officer.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct reports: Animal keepers, seasonal/temporary keeper staff, interns, and volunteers.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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.

• Previous work experience in animal related field.

• Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.

• Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.

• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Foundation

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Completion of four years of college and two years of experience in zoological animal care OR any equivalent combination in which education and experience are interchangeable at the rate of one year of education for one year of experience. College degree and supervisory experience preferred.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Ability to communicate effectively with all ages of visitors and staff.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to understand budgets, timelines, and staffing schedules
COGNITIVE DEMANDS
Ability to understand and write employee evaluations, set priorities, use goal setting for self and staff, be able to collaborate and prioritize regular work and projects
COMPUTER SKILLS
All normal computer business skills required (Microsoft office – Word/Excel/PowerPoint)
COMPETENCIES
Ability to grow and advance staff, understanding of modern animal care standards especially as they relate to enrichment, animal restraint, diet preparation, safety, and behavioral management. The ability to research all applicable topics.
CERTIFICATES
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, etc. to perform animal care, horticulture, and maintenance tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY
Ability to function in all types of weather.

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

Job Type: Full-time

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