Alpaca Care Guide

Blank Park Zoo
Des Moines, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 2/22/2023 CLOSED ON 1/9/2024

Job Posting for Alpaca Care Guide at Blank Park Zoo

Date Posted
February 21, 2023
Type
Seasonal

Job Details

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: $11/hour
Reports to: Small Mammal Supervisor
Department: Animal Care

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.



Position Purpose

This position is under the direct supervision of the Small Mammal Supervisor and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to animal care of the alpacas in the Alpaca Acres exhibit in Kids’ Kingdom.

The Alpaca Care Guide is responsible for the daily husbandry of the alpacas located in the Alpaca Acres exhibit as well as interacting with and educating the public. The Alpaca Care Guide will also oversee volunteers of all ages as they work alongside you in numerous aspects of your day-to-day work. Additionally, the Alpaca Care Guide supports the Zoo mission which is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Requirements

Essential Functions

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

  • Provides for the husbandry needs of all alpacas in care by participating in daily cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, and daily observations.
  • Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to the area supervisor. Maintains accurate records of animal collection daily.
  • Cooperate and assist with veterinary treatments and instructions, which may include safely working free-contact situations.
  • Participate in membership programs including tours, presentations, and lectures.
  • Adheres to established animal handling and related safety protocols. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under the supervision of Rusty Stars Alpacas, understand and assist with the transport of alpacas.
  • Identifies and communicates with maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
  • Maintenance of public areas of experience.
  • Works with, directs and supports volunteers of all ages.
  • Support and work cooperatively with guest operations staff.
  • Educate guests about the animals in their care.


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.
  • 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 area supervisor and team to achieve common husbandry goals.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

Supervise 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. 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.

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

  • High school diploma or GED. Preferred candidates will be working towards a degree in animal ecology, biology, zoology or a related field.
  • Preferred candidates should have experience working with alpacas, hoof stock, livestock or farm animals.
  • Intermediate word processing skills.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

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 skid loaders, trailers, and large vehicles.
  • Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
  • 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.

Contact Information

To apply, click here.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

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. 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.

« Back

Patient care technician
DaVita Kidney Care -
Windsor, IA
Care aide needed for
Care Planning Institute, Inc -
Centerville, IA
Care aide needed for
Care Planning Institute, Inc -
Stuart, IA

Popular Search Topics

Salary.com Estimation for Alpaca Care Guide in Des Moines, IA
$46,550 to $59,044
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Alpaca Care Guide.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Carpentry Skill

    • Income Estimation: $40,461 - $55,233
    • Income Estimation: $43,806 - $59,569
  • Facility Maintenance & Coordination Skill

    • Income Estimation: $40,461 - $55,233
    • Income Estimation: $46,923 - $67,914
This job has expired.

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Alpaca Care Guide jobs in the Des Moines, IA area that may be a better fit.

Care Attendant

Augustana Care Corporation, Newton, IA

Cna memory care

Pivotal Health Care, Ames, IA