Maintenance Technician

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.

Position Purpose

Under supervision, perform a variety of tasks related to zoo facilities, equipment, and all aspects of maintenance.

Essential Functions

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

· General maintenance (preventative and repairs) of all systems and buildings at the zoo. This will include, but not limited to, electric, plumbing, carpentry, metal work, and vehicles.

· Plumbing will include repairs as well as upgrades to our aquariums.

· Carpentry will include repairs as well as construction of some exhibits.

· Metal work will include repairs as well as fabricating caging, Night Eyes displays, etc.

· Operation of skid loaders, telehandler, and other equipment.

· Work closely with Animal Care, Horticulture, Hospitality, Guest Services, Events, Education, and Office Staff to help ensure smooth operations of the zoo.

· Assist in emergencies, including weather-related emergencies, guest and staff injuries, and any other situation that may arise.

· Snow and ice removal (on-call) – maintain the safety of zoo grounds, walkways, parking lots, and driveways during inclement weather.

· Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

· Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to modern zoological maintenance, 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 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 related to facilities maintenance.

· Efficient – Ability to complete the 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 goals.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

· Seasonal staff 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. 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 work site 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

· Previous work experience in maintenance and/or construction field preferred.

· Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.

· Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate a capacity for detail and follow-up.

· Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.

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 which may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

· Must be able to operate various equipment, including skid loaders, telehandler, 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 the ability to obtain

· First Aid/CPR Training or the 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. 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.