Small Mammal Assistant Supervisor

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: To Be Determined
Reports to: Small Mammal Area Supervisor
Department: Animal Care

Position Purpose

To manage day-to-day operations of the Small Mammal/Kids Kingdom area of the animal care department under the direct supervision of the Small Mammal Supervisor. Supervise personnel and assure adherence to established zoo protocols and practices. Focus on communication within and outside the department.
Current animal species within the department: Red Panda, Egyptian Fruit Bat, Jamaican Fruit Bat, Cotton Top Tamarin, Bennett’s Wallaby, Koi fish, Trumpeter Swan, Nigerian Dwarf Goat, Domesticated Llama, Miniature Donkey, Indian Peafowl, Meishan Pig, Mulefoot Hog, and Japanese Macaque.

The following duties are essential to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Complete monthly enrichment calendar.
• Complete commissary order on Tuesdays.
• Assists with the supervision of all aspects of animal and exhibit care for species encompassed in the area. Aware of and ensures compliance with USDA/AZA standards, OSHA requirements and AZA code of ethics.
• Collaborates with the Area Supervisors to accomplish the goals of the animal care department by contributing ideas, knowledge and best practices when establishing animal care protocols, procedures, routines, animal area designs, maintenance, and area projects.
• Leads by example to create a positive, problem solving and open minded culture in accordance with the Blank Park Zoo SWEET Values.
• Other duties as assigned by Area Supervisor and Director of Animal Care:
• Training coordinator: oversees all training programs within the department and ensures training documents are complete.
• Collaborates professionally with all other department’s staff, volunteers/interns and outside contractors.
• Fosters relationships with other zoo professionals, institutions, and organizations.
• Assumes leadership role in supervisors’ absence based on supervisors’ needs: conducts weekly team meetings; communicates animal health concerns; attends weekly meetings with Animal Health team, Animal Care Management and one-on-ones with Chief Animal Officer as appropriate.
• Provides input and assists with staff related management to include but not limited to daily routines, adjusting staff levels, hiring seasonal/temporary keepers, interns and volunteers. Provides feedback and observation in regards to staff development and training.
• Assists with updates and oversight of the animal care protocols, training documents, welfare assessments and enrichment documents to ensure all are followed by and satisfactorily completed by all animal keepers/seasonal staff/interns in their area of responsibility.
• Actively involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fundraising activities.

Competencies

Resourceful - Understanding of or ability to research all applicable topics as it relates to modern zoological animal management and standards especially as they relate to enrichment, behavioral management, animal restraint, diet preparation and safety
Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.
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 to grow and develop team members. Must know and practice SWEET leadership values.
Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
Customer – Oriented – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
Innovative - Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to animal care and welfare.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

Supervision of Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal, Temporary Keeper staff; Volunteers and Interns as determined by Area Supervisor.

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.

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

• Experience with primates and PPE protocols is preferred.
• Four-year college degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology, or a related field.
• 3+ years of full time paid experience in animal husbandry (preferably in a zoo setting).
• Experience with Microsoft office, Excel spreadsheets, and Google drive are encouraged.

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.
• Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
• Must be able to operate various equipment, including skid loaders, trailers, and large vehicles.

Licenses/Certifications

• Willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Training
• Valid Iowa motor vehicle license

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. Click or tap here to enter text.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

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. 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.

To apply, click here.