Zoological Manager, Trails of Africa

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SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for a Zoological Manager in the Trails of Africa Department. Under the direction of the Curator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high level of animal care to Black Rhinoceros, Reticulated giraffe, Plains Zebra, Eastern Bongo, Ostrich, Red Flanked Duiker and others.

Primary responsibilities of this position include team supervisory responsibilities, monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, providing environmental and behavioral enrichment, preparing diets, modifying exhibits, maintaining accurate records, and presenting both formally and informally for the public. The candidate must be a motivated self-starter that is team and goal oriented. This position must be able to communicate with other departments to meet the needs of the animals, facilities, and zoo team.

This full time, salaried position requires working at least 40hrs per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Trails of Africa Manager

Conducts day-to-day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members.
Responsible for animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals in assigned area.
Ensures that animal records and staff files are up to date and maintained in accordance with zoo policy, state and federal regulations as well as national animal record keeping standards.
Develops skills in staff through various formal and informal training programs.
Develops and coordinates staff, maintenance, and animal care related scheduling within assigned area.
Leads hiring and disciplinary actions with a focus on developmental objectives.
Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports with Curators input.
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.
Responsible for training, monitoring, and evaluation of staff techniques for proper animal restraint.
Identifies, documents and reports any medical concerns or abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department in a timely manner.
Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
Develops a good line of communication with assigned staff, Curator, and General Curator to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported in a timely manner.
Maintains a safe work environment for assigned staff and animals. Identifies, reports, and works to resolve safety concerns in a timely manner.
Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and with Curator, develops departmental program, including researching and developing new enrichment options and development of enrichment schedules. Documents results and goals of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
Trains and encourages staff in utilizing the environmental enrichment program.
Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department. Trains and monitors staff on properly utilizing the animal record keeping systems.
Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. Encourages staff to engage Zoo visitors with prepared animal talks.
Exhibits the ability to apply classical and operant conditioning and to train basic and advanced behaviors. Trains and monitors staff on applying training techniques.
Actively plays a key role in resolving any animal related emergencies or drills that occur within the zoo (i.e. dangerous animal escape), regardless of which animal area the emergency is in.
Evaluates animal’s dietary needs. Consults with the Curator and veterinarian about dietary needs based on the condition of the animal, weather, and temperature influence, and any other special consideration relating to the species or individual animal.
Assists with exhibit creation, designs or changes.
Champions conservation efforts by BZI. Encourages staff to participate in conservation efforts.
Upholds the standards of Birmingham Zoo, AZA and USDA at all times.
Acts as Animal Department Coordinator duties weekly as assigned to act as a point person for any major zoo animal issue or concern during the day.
Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Becomes familiar with the BZI staff handbook, policies and procedures as well as Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Department.
Provide leadership, support and direction to the Trails of Africa team.
Builds effective partnerships and strong relationships within and outside the department.
Supports and participates BZI initiatives and projects. Demonstrates and supports staff participation in AZA, AAZK, and other professional organizations and conservation activities as appropriate

SAFETY ANALYSIS

This position is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures:

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 safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection will be provided and implemented.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, staff 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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.

Education and work experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or an equivalent field of study is preferred.
Three years of experience in animal care.
Experience and knowledge with relevant species strongly preferred.
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.

Skills and Knowledge:

Ability to think critically and demonstrate time-management and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as decision making skills; possess team building skills; and has the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Competency in computer usage.

Desirable qualities:

Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements:

Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test. Must provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.

Must have a current, valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations within the last three years. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.

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.

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