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BZBirmingham Zoo
Birmingham ZooZoo

Animal Care Professional

Location

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1-3 years

Compensation

$18 - $18 per hour

Posted

7h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Care Professional is responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of a variety of native Alabama animals, including dangerous species, at the Birmingham Zoo. This role involves cleaning, monitoring animal health, implementing enrichment programs, and educating the public about the animals and the zoo's mission.

The Alabama Wilds Department at the Birmingham Zoo features native species ranging from non-dangerous to dangerous animals, including black bears, river otters, cougars, bobcats, birds, and domestic animals. The Animal Care Professional (ACP) is a full-time role responsible for daily animal husbandry while supporting the Zoo’s mission through education, conservation, and guest engagement.

Essential Functions

  • Demonstrate knowledge of animal biology, behavior, and care in daily routines.

  • Clean and maintain habitats using proper tools and chemical agents.

  • Safely shift, handle, and monitor animals, reporting abnormal behavior.

  • Ensure animals’ needs are met in varying weather conditions.

  • Identify and communicate medical concerns to management and veterinary staff.

  • Apply training techniques, including classical and operant conditioning.

  • Implement and document environmental enrichment programs.

  • Maintain accurate animal records.

  • Assist with animal transport using low-stress handling techniques.

  • Deliver public animal presentations.

  • Support emergency response efforts across the Zoo.

  • Help train new and seasonal staff.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Safety
ACPs must follow strict safety protocols due to potential hazards, including unpredictable wildlife, zoonotic diseases, chemical exposure, and extreme weather. Proper use of personal protective equipment is required. Staff must adhere to Zoo safety policies and report injuries immediately.

Physical Demands

  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting (50+ lbs).

  • Use of hands, tools, and equipment.

  • Exposure to wet, slippery, and outdoor conditions.

  • Extended use of protective equipment such as masks and gloves.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma required; degree in animal-related field preferred.

  • Experience or internship in a zoological setting preferred.

  • Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Basic computer proficiency.

  • Valid driver’s license preferred.

  • First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

  • Negative TB test and compliance with health and safety protocols.

The Birmingham Zoo values diverse experiences and encourages candidates who meet most qualifications to apply.

Updated 7h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Welfare • 1+ yrs
Classical and Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Environmental Enrichment • 1+ yrs
Animal Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Animal Restraint and Handling • 1+ yrs
Public Speaking • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs

Experience

1-3 years

Certifications

First aid/CPR certified • Required
TB test • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$18 - $18 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationBirmingham, Alabama, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium7/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Birmingham Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

The 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. Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity.

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Animal Care Professional

Birmingham, Alabama, United StatesFull Time