Bird Keeper

Overview

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 appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Bird Supervisor and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to animal care of approximately 36 species of birds, currently active in 13 SSP programs, such as Turquoise Tanagers, Red-Capped Cardinals, Kookaburras, Tawny Frogmouth, and Cinereous Vultures. The avian team also cares for one species of reptile, Aldabra Tortoises. Please note we do not take care of the zoo’s penguins.

• 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 daily records of animal collection.
• Cooperates and assists with veterinary treatments and instruction.
• Participates in membership programs including tours, presentations and lectures.
• Adheres to established animal handling, chick, breeding, and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals.
• Assists in protected and free contact training animals for husbandry and medical needs using operant conditioning.
• Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
• Identifies and communicates with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• Functions effectively in both team and individual settings, and works toward adopting and creating best animal welfare practices.
• Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.
• Actively supports area policies and procedures, mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Blank Park Zoo.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Resourceful – Understanding of, or has the ability to 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.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Critical thinking
  - Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise on a daily basis.
• 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 – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
• Assists with supervision of interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

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.

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…