SUMMARY

The Relief Animal Care Professional position is responsible for the daily husbandry activities of the animal collection in three designated areas (Birds/Herps/Ambassadors) with a basic working knowledge of animal care and welfare. This position will operate as a member of all three designated areas reporting directly to an Assistant Curator and will work with all three department Zoological Managers as assigned. Collectively with other zoo staff these activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (BZI). This position will also learn to assist with coverage in our Animal Nutrition Center and may be expected to work within the area on a regular basis to remain active. This position may also be assigned to help in our Animal Health Center with quarantine procedures. 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

• 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.
• 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 problems to the Zoological Manager and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• Maintains good communication with managers to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported.
• Provides enrichment, conducts animal training, and assesses animals wellbeing according to department procedures.
• Contributes new ideas for animal care and wellbeing to be added to their department repertoire.
• Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department, including daily reports and animal files.
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Assist with the collection of approved browse for animals in their care, including may have days that are assigned just to browse collection.
• Prepares and presents programs visitors and guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Becomes familiar with and follows the BZI staff handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Animal Department as well as the SOP’s for their assigned animal areas.
• Sets a positive example for their fellow ACP’s. Presents themselves in a professional manner at all times to co-workers, visitors and guests; this includes attendance, appearance and demeanor.
• Actively participates in Zoo, AZA, or AAZK activities, committees, fundraisers, etc.

These expectations will be monitored and evaluated by the Zoo Managers and Assistant Curators throughout the year and documented.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct reports
• May have input on direction of volunteers and seasonal staff

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 is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures:

• 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 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 staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff 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 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.
• May be required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• Candidate will work with dangerous animals.
• 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.
• Volunteer, intern, or paid animal care experience in a zoo or equivalent setting 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 multi-task, coordinate with others and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in presentations and public speaking.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office.

• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• String interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.

Other Requirements:

• Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer. Must provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Full time or part time
• Primary weekend will be set to Monday/Tuesday for this position. Schedule may vary dependent on animal care needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Diversity & Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, neurodiverse individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.

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.

Birmingham Zoo Inc is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $15.60/hour.

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