Zoo Crew Program Coordinator

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Positive working environment

Job summary

A non-profit zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a dedicated individual to coordinate its teen volunteer program, Zoo Crew. This role involves mentoring teens aged 13-17, assisting with program implementation, and communicating with volunteers and their parents. Candidates should have experience working with teens and be proficient with Microsoft Office. This position requires a high school diploma or GED and availability on weekends during summer. The zoo offers competitive income and a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with teens in a leadership position preferred.
• Ability to engage and supervise teens aged 13-17.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and mentor the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program.
• Assist with volunteer orientation and training.
• Maintain the volunteer database and documentation.

Skills

Experience working with teens

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Customer service skills

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Experience Some experience working with Teens preferred

Posted January 14, 2026

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 & Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Position Purpose

This position works with the Volunteer and Conservation Engagement Manager to develop and coordinate the Blank Park Zoo’s teen volunteer program, Zoo Crew to help advance the Zoo’s mission. Duties include assisting with program implementation as well as recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of teens ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old. Works closely and effectively with various departments to achieve the best experience for our volunteers, visitors, and staff. Weekend hours are required throughout the summer.

Essential Functions

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

Under the direction of the Volunteer and Conservation Engagement Manager assist with the following;

• Attend and assist with Zoo Crew orientation and training
• Train with education staff on interpretation skills
• Assist with communication and support to Zoo Crew participants and their parents
• Assist with the coordination, support and development of the teen volunteer program, Zoo Crew
• Work with teams across the Zoo to assist in expanding/updating the Zoo Crew program
• Mentor volunteers and coordinate with staff on a daily basis
• Serve as a point of contact for parents of volunteers, including answering questions and resolving problems that arise
• Maintain good customer relations with all program participants
• Update and maintain the volunteer database, volunteer manuals, policies, and email
• Provide documentation needed for reports on volunteer service
• Assist with special events on and off zoo grounds
• Other duties as assigned
• Experience ability to work with teens ages 13‑17 required. Previous work with volunteers is preferred.
• Working knowledge of animals, conservation, learning styles and interpretation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office. Ability to learn volunteer management software.
• 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, self‑motivated 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 effectively, professionally and courteously, 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.
• Efficient – Completes tasks in a thorough but quick manner.
• Customer‑oriented – Exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations.
• Team Player – Collaborates with supervisors and teams to achieve common goals. Demonstrates the ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, volunteers, and zoo guests.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal and inclement weather conditions.

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 25 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.

Lifting Requirement.
☐ more than 50 pounds ☒ Up to 50 pounds ☐ Up to 40 pounds ☐ Up to 25 pounds ☐ Up to 10 pounds

Required education and experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience working with teens in a leadership position is preferred

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions

Licenses/Certifications

First Aid/CPR Certification (training can be provided)

Other Duties

Please note 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.