Freshwater Aquarist

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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.

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.

The Aquatics team cares for a diverse group of animals including fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. Qualified candidates should have a wide-ranging animal husbandry background with an emphasis on SCUBA diving, life support system operation and freshwater fish, reptile and amphibian husbandry. 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. 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 animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintain water quality to keep aquatic animals in healthy condition.
• Assisting with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedure and veterinary instructions. Provide assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
• Mentoring animal care interns and/or volunteers.
• Observing animals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well‑being.
• Assisting with animal acquisition, acclimation and quarantine.
• 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.
• Participate in training programs in order to develop and maintain desired husbandry behaviors.
• Comfortably work with venomous and dangerous animals.
• Complete daily record keeping.
• Cover otter, fish, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate exhibits and holding areas when needed.
• Other duties assigned by Area Supervisor.
• 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…