Carnivore and Pinniped Animal Keeper

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent working environment

Benefits package

Job summary

A regional zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking an experienced individual for animal care. This role involves daily husbandry, training, and health monitoring of various species, including tigers and seals. Candidates should have a background in animal husbandry, teamwork skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Previous experience with dangerous animals is preferred. The zoo offers a competitive salary and benefits within a fulfilling work environment.

Qualifications

• Must have experience with dangerous animals.
• Outgoing personality and effective in team settings are essential.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and participate in drills.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for animals, including feeding and training.
• Monitor animal health and report issues.
• Assist with veterinary treatments and animal training.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Training

Teamwork

Communication

Critical thinking

Customer service

Education

2 years of paid experience in the zoo field

Intermediate word processing skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Tools

Skid loaders

Trailers

Heavy vehicles

Job description

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.

It’s an exciting time to work at the Blank Park Zoo as many new projects are in the works. Construction recently began on a new Lion center with two exhibits and in the near future construction will begin on a renovated tiger center with three exhibits, a brand‑new otter exhibit, and we will be bringing in a new species to Blank Park Zoo, Bobcats.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Carnivore and Pinniped Supervisor and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to animal care of the following species (*represents current or future breeding group): Amur Tiger*, African Lion*, Snow Leopard, California Sea Lion, Pacific Harbor Seal*, White Handed Gibbon, Black and White Ruffed Lemur*, Magellanic Penguin*, North American River Otter*.

Qualified candidates should have a wide‑ranging animal husbandry background with an emphasis on training and enrichment. Previous experience working with dangerous animals is preferred. The qualified candidate will be an outgoing and dynamic person that works well individually and as part of a team. The selected candidate for this position will be expected to learn and work all routines in the department.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• 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.
• Participates in both free and protected contact animal training for husbandry and medical needs using operant conditioning.
• Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
• Identifies and communicates maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.

• 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 many different types of people and situations.
• Team Player – Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.
• May supervise seasonal staff, interns and volunteers.

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.

Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one work site to another.

Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Driving.

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Reaching with hands and arms.

Tasting or smelling.

Vision.

Required education and experience

• 2 years of paid experience in the zoo field preferred.
• 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.
• First Aid/CPR Training or ability to obtain.

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.

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.