Animal Care Professional, Lead
Trails of Africa
Location
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5-8 years
Compensation
$19 - $19 per hour
Posted
12h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Care Professional, Lead is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal care and welfare, including maintaining high standards of care and serving as a resource for staff. This role provides operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager and contributes to consistent animal care practices and effective day-to-day operations within the department.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Animal Care Professional, Lead is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal care and welfare, including maintaining high standards of care, serving as a resource for staff, and providing operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager. This role contributes to consistent animal care practices and effective day-to-day operations within the department. The team provides care for Black Rhinoceros, Reticulated giraffe, Plains Zebra, Eastern Bongo, Ostrich, Red Flanked Duiker and others.
All employees serve as ambassadors of the Zoo and are expected to act in a professional manner consistent with the Zoo’s mission and its core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion. This expectation applies when interacting with the public or when reasonably perceived as representing the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs and models advanced animal husbandry, wellbeing, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance practices, ensuring consistency with established protocols and high standards of care.
Observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and welfare concerns; maintains accurate animal records; and supports safe animal handling, restraint, transport, and operational procedures.
Provides functional leadership by training, guiding, and supporting staff; serves as a resource and point of contact to promote consistent, safe, and effective animal care practices.
Supports departmental operations and planning, including exhibit improvements, guest engagement, and cross-functional coordination, and provides operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager, as assigned.
Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and applicable departmental guidelines.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility for staff.
Provides functional leadership through training, guidance, and reinforcement of established protocols to support consistency in daily operations.
Serves as a resource and point of contact for staff, supporting adherence to operational, safety, and organizational standards.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods in outdoor and operational environments.
Ability to use hands, fingers, and tools or equipment required for assigned tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively, including exchanging information with others.
Ability to routinely move, lift, or carry items up to 50 pounds or more, depending on assigned duties.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, humidity, temperature changes, and wet or uneven surfaces.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Work Experience
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Advanced experience in animal care is required, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.
Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities
Demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and support operational needs.
Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats and collaborates effectively across teams to support a positive, safe, and welcoming work environment.
Provides guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to staff, interns, and volunteers to promote consistency, teamwork, and accountability in daily operations.
Maintains strong attention to detail and proficiency with required computer systems and animal recordkeeping tools.
Demonstrates knowledge of animal husbandry practices (including species-specific care as applicable), a commitment to excellent guest service, and an interest in supporting conservation-focused work.
Updated 12h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5-8 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$19 - $19 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Birmingham Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Birmingham Zoo Inc. (BZI) is a nonprofit, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited Zoo and regional tourist attraction serving the greater Birmingham community and beyond. We advance wildlife conservation through responsible animal care, education, and local and global conservation efforts in support of our mission, Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World.
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Animal Care Professional, Lead
Birmingham, Alabama, United States • Full Time