Animal Care Professional, Alabama Wilds

SUMMARY

The Alabama Wilds Department at the Birmingham Zoo consists of a variety of animals native to Alabama. Species in the area range from Non-dangerous to Dangerous and consist of Black Bears and North American River Otters, in addition to a variety of Birds and domestic barn animals. Bobcats and Cougars have also now joined the Alabama Wilds collection. The Animal Care Professional is a full-time position responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of these animals with a demonstrated good working knowledge of animal care and welfare. ACPs will also work collectively with other Zoo employees and assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Displays and demonstrates the basic biology, behaviors and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
• Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department.
• Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any animal medical problems to the Zoological Manager and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• Uses classical and operant conditioning with the animals in their department.
• Utilizes the Environmental Enrichment Program and the enrichment requirements of the animals within their department. Properly records the results of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
• Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department.
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests.

SAFETY

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.
• The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

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 50 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.
• A current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations, within the last three years, preferred.
• 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.

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

The Birmingham Zoo is a not-for-profit entity. The position’s rate is $16.25/hour.