Hospitality Associate

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Excellent working environment

Benefits

Job summary

A local zoo in Iowa is looking for a candidate to perform various hospitality operations, custodial duties, and event setups. The role requires a high school diploma and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Responsibilities include assisting with events, keeping the grounds clean, and operating equipment like golf carts. The position demands strong customer service skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Experience with event setup and cleanup.

Responsibilities

• Assist with event setups and cleanups.
• Maintain cleanliness of zoo grounds.
• Operate equipment such as golf carts and scrubbers.
• Assist with guest questions or emergencies.
• Operate golf carts, floor scrubbers, and other equipment.
• Work with zoo staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain safety of grounds and walkways.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Golf cart operation

Power floor scrubber

Job description

FLSA Classification

Exempt ☐ Nonexempt ☒ Salary Grade: To Be Determined

Reports to

Maintenance & Hospitality Manager Department: Operations

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

Under supervision, to perform a variety of tasks related to hospitality operations, custodial needs and event setups.

Essential Functions

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

• Set‑up and clean‑up for events
• Empty trash cans
• Keep the zoo grounds clean
• Assist with guest questions or emergencies
• Operation of golf carts, floor scrubbers, and other equipment
• Work closely with all zoo staff to help insure smooth operations at the zoo
• Maintain safety of the zoo grounds, walkways, and pathways during inclement weather
• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to modern hospitality 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 hospitality.
• 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.

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. Most of the job tasks are completed outside. Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces. Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors.

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.
• 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 worksite 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

• High school diploma or GED
• 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 power floor scrubber and golf carts.
• 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.

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.