We are excited to announce an opening for the role of Commissary and Quarantine Supervisor, driven by our commitment to internal growth and the upcoming retirement of a valued team member. This is an exceptional opportunity to step into a key leadership position where you will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the animals in our care. We invite you to apply and help us continue our tradition of excellence.
Position Purpose
- Manages day-to-day operations of the Commissary and Quarantine Team of the animal care department.
- Supervises personnel and assures adherence to established zoo protocols and practices.
- Additionally, the Commissary and Quarantine Supervisor supports our Zoo Mission which is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.
Essential Functions
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Responsible for the implementation and supervision of all aspects of animal care for a specific area of responsibility.
- Collaborates with the Chief Animal Officer and all other Area Supervisors to accomplish goals of the animal care department.
- Communicates all animal health related issues to Veterinary Team in a timely manner.
- Administers any medication or treatment plan per instructions.
- Assures all reports (daily reports/animal transaction/medical treatment/animal recordkeeping system, etc.) are completed accurately and in a timely fashion.
- Mentors Zookeepers in their area of responsibility by goal setting, setting clear expectations, completing Performance Evaluations, and conducting formal and informal meetings.
- Fosters a sense of buy-in from animal care staff by soliciting input and compromise and encourage professional development.
- Aware of and ensures compliance with USDA/AZA standards and AZA Code of Ethics.
- Ensures compliance with the Zoo’s Safety program including OSHA requirements, maintenance of safety equipment and SDS information.
- Determines Zookeeper routines, adjusts schedule due to short term PTO needs.
- Collaborates with all other departments to accomplish goals of the BPZ.
- Oversees all aspects of diet preparation.
- Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of work and work area.
- Maintains and manages Inventory.
- Safely trains and directs volunteer activities within the Commissary and consistently acts as a positive role model to mentor and inspire volunteers on the importance of appropriate diet prep and facility operation.
- Actively and professionally communicates among staff and supervisors in other departments to convey dietary information and advocate for best practices and to ensure dietary needs are met.
- Effectively communicates and demonstrates interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
- Involved in professional networking, public relations, media contacts, public speaking and assistance in development and fund-raising activities.
- Fosters relationships with other zoo professionals, institutions, and organizations.
- Identifies and communicates with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
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 maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
- Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate a 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 verbally 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 and nutrition.
- Efficient – Ability to complete tasks 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 team to achieve Animal Department goals.
- Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
- Direct reports: Lead Keepers, Zookeepers, seasonal/temporary keeper 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.
- Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces. Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors.
- The incumbent may be required travel to other locations and to meetings.
- This individual may be exposed to computer monitors.
- The noise level is moderate.
- The incumbent is regularly required to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment
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
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 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 or ability to obtain.
- First Aid/CPR Training or ability to obtain.
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or ability to obtain.
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.
Experience Required
- Four-year college degree, or relevant zoo experience.
- Five years of experience working in a zoological setting. Intermediate word processing skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.
Further Comments
- Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives 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.
Perks
- 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.
