Carnivore & Pinniped Keeper – Full Time
Posted on August 1, 2025
Description
It's an exciting time to work at the Blank Park Zoo as many new projects are in the works. Construction recently began on a new Lion center with two exhibits and in the near future construction will begin on a renovated tiger center with three exhibits, a brand-new otter exhibit, and we will be bringing in a new species to Blank Park Zoo, Bobcats. This position is under the direct supervision of the Carnivore and Pinniped Supervisor and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to animal care of the following species (*represents current or future breeding group): Amur Tiger*, African Lion*, Snow Leopard, California Sea Lion, Pacific Harbor Seal*, White Handed Gibbon, Black and White Ruffed Lemur*, Magellanic Penguin*, North American River Otter*. Qualified candidates should have a wide-ranging animal husbandry background with an emphasis on training and enrichment. Previous experience working with dangerous animals is preferred. The qualified candidate will be an outgoing and dynamic person that works well individually and as part of a team. The selected candidate for this position will be expected to learn and work all routines in the department.
Responsibilities
Provides for husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in daily cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, training, enrichment, and daily observations.
Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to 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.
Participates in both free and protected contact animal training for husbandry and medical needs using operant conditioning.
Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
Identifies and communicates maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
Requirements
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 m many different types of people and situations.
Team Player -- Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
May supervise seasonal staff, interns and volunteers.
Work Environment
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.
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
Required education and experience
Four-year college degree, or relevant zoo experience.
2 years of paid experience in the zoo field preferred.
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 or ability to obtain
Benefits
Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.
Salary
$17.75/hr.
Blank Park Zoo
Des Moines, Iowa
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, visit the link below.
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