Zoological Manager, Primates/South America

Description

SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for a Zoological Manager in the Primate/South America Department. Under the direction of the Curator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high level of care to a very diverse and unique collection, with a focus on primates but that also includes jaguar, anteater, and giant river otters among 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 position requires working at least 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primate Manager

• Conducts day-to-day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members in assigned areas.
• Responsible for animal husbandry, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals in assigned area.
• Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and with the help of Animal Care Professionals, Curator, and Behavioral Husbandry Manager, develops departmental programs, 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. Oversees and trains staff on enrichment program.
• Exhibits the ability to apply classical and operant conditioning and to train basic and advanced behaviors. Trains and monitors staff on applying training techniques.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• Responsible for using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal. Responsible for training, monitoring, and evaluating staff animal restraint techniques.
• Ensures that animal records and staff files are up to date and maintained in accordance with zoo policy, state and federal regulations and national animal record keeping standards. Monitors and ensures staff are able to properly utilize the animal record keeping systems.
• Develops skills in staff through various formal and informal training programs.
• Develops and coordinates staff, maintenance, and animal care related scheduling within assigned area.
• Works with Curator on hiring and disciplinary actions with a focus on developmental objectives.
• Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports with Curators input.
• Displays knowledge of the basic biology, behavior, and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
• Cleans and maintains animal habitats and holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
• Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
• Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any abnormal behavior or animal medical problems to the Curator, General Curator, and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• 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.
• Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. Encourages staff to engage Zoo visitors with prepared animal talks.
• 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.
• With assistance from Curator, guides exhibit creation, designs or changes in their area.
• Champions conservation efforts by BZI. Encourages staff to participate in conservation efforts.
• Ensures compliance with all BZI policies and Procedures.
• Upholds the standards of AZA and USDA at all times.
• Familiarizes themselves with the BZI staff handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Animal Department as well as the SOPs assigned animal area. Continues to update area SOPs as needed.
• Takes on 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 and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Department.
• Provide leadership, support and direction to the Primate/South America 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Animal Care Professionals, Primates/South America, Relief
• Seasonal Staff and Volunteers

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 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.

All staff members 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.
• 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

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 preferred.
• Experience and knowledge with Primates, including Great Apes.
• Experience and knowledge with big cat species is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of operant conditioning.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management 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.
• Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
• Competency in computer skills.
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

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 either have a current negative TB test and rabies titer with documentation or be willing to obtain them. The company will cover the cost of the TB test and rabies vaccine if needed. Must also provide documentation of other required vaccines or be willing to follow alternative safety protocols, which may include wearing N95 masks and gloves.
• Must be willing to travel locally.
• 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.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Full-time, Exempt
• Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends.
• Weekend work required as well as occasional evening work and holidays.

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.

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.