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. 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 Coral Aquarist is responsible for the care and management of a diverse collection of threatened Florida Reef Tract rescue corals a part of the AZA SAFE Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project. The aquarist will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the care and maintenance of this conservation project.
As a member of the Aquatics team, the Coral Aquarist contributes to the care of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, amphibian and reptiles while supporting a variety of conservation initiatives. This role actively advances the Zoo’s mission to inspire 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.
- Preparing diets and distributing food according to feeding schedules.
- Cleaning and performing routine maintenance and minor repair of FRTRP holding systems to ensure the health of the rescue corals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintain water quality to keep rescue corals in healthy condition.
- Monitor and maintain water quality to a high standard
- Assisting with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedure and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in handling corals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
- Supervising FRTRP interns, volunteers and/or temporary keepers
- Observing FRTRP corals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being
- Assisting with any future acquisition, acclimation and quarantine related to FRTRP.
- Serving as a customer service liaison through daily contacts with visitors providing information and answering questions.
- Involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fundraising activities.
- Act as Blank Park Zoo representative in FRTRP regular meetings, trainings, and professional development when funding is available
- Complete all FWC and BPZ record keeping associated with FRTRP
- Other duties assigned by Area Supervisor related to FRTRP
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-u
- 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 m many different types of people and situations.
- Team Player – Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.
Work Environment
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. Cares for dangerous animals. 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.
Required education and experience
- Four-year college degree, or relevant zoo experience.
- 1-2 years of coral experience in the zoo field.
- 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
- Open Water or higher SCUBA certification preferred
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.
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