Job DetailsJob Location: Birmingham Zoo - BIRMINGHAM, AL 35223Position Type: Full TimeSUMMARY
The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for an Animal Care Professional in the Primate/South America Department. Under the direction of the Zoological Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high level of animal care to a diverse collection of taxa.
Primary responsibilities of this position include monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, providing environmental and behavioral enrichment, preparing diets, modifying habitats, maintaining accurate records, and presenting both formally and informally for the public. The candidate must be a motivated self-starter with a willingness to learn and drive to continuously improve. This position requires a team player capable of positive interactions with staff, guests, and volunteers.
This is a full-time position working at least 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed. Successful candidates will work in close proximity to dangerous animals; professionalism and good communication are required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Demonstrates understanding of the basic biology, behaviors, and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
Cleans and maintains animal spaces, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
Uses designated techniques for shifting animals on their assigned routine.
Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department.
Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any animal medical concerns to the Zoological Manager in a timely manner.
Develops a good line of communication with the Zoological Manager to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order and that all problems are reported.
Implements techniques from both classical and operant conditioning under the supervision of the Zoological Manager
Utilizes the zoo’s enrichment program to properly meet the enrichment requirements of the animals within their department. Properly records the results of enrichment.
Creates new enrichment ideas and items to be added to their department repertoire.
Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department.
Maintains and updates the departments’ animal files.
Prepares and presents public keeper chats to guests, scheduled groups, and/or the media.
Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct reports
SAFETY ANALYSIS
The ACP is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The ACP position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures:
Depending on assignment, the ACP will have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous or may carry zoonotic diseases.
The proper use and understanding of cleaning and disinfecting agents.
Weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and storm conditions.
Specific training and procedures designed to maintain the safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection will be provided.
The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.
Animal Care Professionals, as with any employee of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoos overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:
Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear.
Routinely lift and/or move more than 30 pounds.
Exposure to wet surfaces and slippery surfaces.
Required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
High School degree, or some college; bachelor’s degree in an animal related field preferred.
Previous experience or internship in a zoological institution.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills; have high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks; possess team building skills; and has the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
Competency in computer skills.
Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last three years).
Must be First aid/CPR certified or be willing to be certified.
Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation or be willing to have a TB test.
POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK
Full time
Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends. Weekend work required as well as occasional evening work and holidays.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $17.25/hour.
