Hospitality Associate

FLSA Classification

Exempt ☐ Nonexempt ☒ Salary Grade:
To Be Determined

Maintenance & Hospitality Manager Department:
Operations

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.

Under supervision, to perform a variety of tasks related to hospitality operations, custodial needs and event setups.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Set‑up and clean‑up for events
• Empty trash cans
• Keep the zoo grounds clean
• Assist with guest questions or emergencies
• Operation of golf carts, floor scrubbers, and other equipment
• Work closely with all zoo staff to help insure smooth operations at the zoo
• Maintain safety of the zoo grounds, walkways, and pathways during inclement weather
• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to modern hospitality 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 hospitality.
• 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.

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. 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 individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Driving.
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Reaching with hands and arms.
• Tasting or smelling.
• Vision.

• High school diploma or GED
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

• 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…