Seasonal Commissary Keeper

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa seeks a Seasonal Commissary Keeper to prep daily animal diets and support quarantine animal care per established procedures.

You will assist in dietary procurement, stock checks, and daily welfare observations while collaborating with veterinary staff and care teams. This role requires flexibility, accuracy, and a positive customer-service mindset in a busy zoo environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare daily diets for animal care teams and communicate needs and weekly orders.
• Monitor stock quality, check expiration dates, and perform QA checks.
• Procure dietary items from approved vendors and maintain freezers/refrigerators per standards.
• Care for animals with daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and observation.

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

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

• Accurately prepare daily diets for animal care teams and effectively communicate with animal care staff regarding their team needs and weekly orders.
• Perform regular quality assurance checks, monitor product freshness, and check expiration dates of stock.
• Assist in the procurement of dietary items 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, enrichment, and daily observations.
• Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to the 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.
• 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 maintaining 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 tasks 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.

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 to 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.

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

Required education and experience

• High school diploma
• 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 golf cars, trailers, and large vehicles.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

Other Duties

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.