Seasonal Alpaca Keeper

Blank Park Zoo 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. Seasonal Alpaca Keeper Under the direction of the Ambassador Animal Care Manager, this position will be responsible for the daily husbandry and care of the alpacas living in the Alpaca Acres exhibit as well as the Ambassador Animal collection, consisting of varied species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This position is expected to conduct guest interactions for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the Animal Keeper supports our Zoo Mission which is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. * Provides husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in daily cleaning and enclosure maintenance, diet preparation, administering medications, feeding, training, and enrichment * Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor. Maintains accurate, daily records for animals in the collection. * Works closely with area supervisor and veterinary staff to provide best possible care for the animals * Adheres to established animal handling and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under the supervision of Rusty Stars Alpacas, understand and assist with the transport of alpacas. * Assists in daily handling of animals for husbandry needs and programming use * Assists in animal training, and recording of training notes for husbandry needs and programming use * Provides daily enrichment, help build/create new enrichment items, and record enrichment into daily log * Conducts guest interactions * Collaborates with animal care team, engagement team, and guest services team to achieve common husbandry, program, and guest experience goals * Functions effectively in both team and individual settings, and works toward adopting and creating best animal welfare practices * Identifies and communicates with maintenance of repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities * Responsible for maintaining the grounds of public areas in Alpaca Acres. * Works closely with, oversees, mentors, and supports volunteers and interns of all ages. Competencies * 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. Supervisory/Management Responsibilities Assists with supervision of interns and volunteers. Work Environment 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. Most of the job tasks are completed inside. However, the incumbent is occasionally 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. Requirements 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 ☒ Close vision; ☒Distant vision; ☒ Color vision; ☒ Peripheral vision; ☒Depth perception; ☒ Ability to adjust focus Lifting Requirement. ☐ > than 50 pounds ☒ Up to 50 pounds ☐ Up to 40 pounds ☐ Up to 25 pounds ☐ Up to 10 pounds Additional eligibility requirements * Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo * Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions. Licenses/Certifications * Valid motor vehicle license Experience Required Must have a high school diploma or GED. Preferred candidates should be working towards a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology, or a related field. Preferred candidates should have experience working with alpacas, hoof stock, livestock or farm animals. Other animal care experience is preferred, but not required Experience with interpretation or guest interactions is encouraged, but not required. Experience with Microsoft office, Excel spreadsheets, and Google drive are strongly encouraged. Further Comments 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. Perks 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. How to Apply Apply here: Blank Park Zoo 7401 SW 9th St Des Moines, IA 50315 Phone: 515-974-2632 Visit our website @blankparkzoo Like us on Facebook

Created: 2025-02-03