Animal Care Professional
Location
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-3 years
Compensation
$17 - $17 per hour
Posted
3d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Care Professional is responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of a variety of native Alabama animals, including dangerous species, within the Alabama Wilds Department. This role involves maintaining animal habitats, monitoring animal health, implementing enrichment programs, and educating the public about the zoo's mission.
The Birmingham Zoo’s Alabama Wilds Department cares for a variety of animals native to Alabama, including Black Bears, North American River Otters, Cougars, Bobcats, birds, and domestic barn animals, ranging from non-dangerous to dangerous species. The full-time Animal Care Professional (ACP) is responsible for daily animal husbandry and welfare while working collaboratively with Zoo staff to provide visitors with an educational, entertaining, and engaging experience that supports the Zoo’s mission. Responsibilities include demonstrating knowledge of animal biology, behavior, and husbandry; cleaning and maintaining animal holdings using appropriate tools and chemical agents; safely shifting animals; recognizing and reporting abnormal behavior; monitoring weather-related needs and providing appropriate shelter; identifying and communicating medical concerns to the Zoological Manager and Veterinary staff; and using classical and operant conditioning techniques. The ACP will implement the Environmental Enrichment Program, document enrichment results, maintain accurate animal records, and safely capture, crate, restrain, and transfer animals using techniques designed to minimize stress. The position will also prepare and present public animal talks, participate in animal-related emergencies and drills throughout the Zoo, assist with training new and seasonal staff, and perform other duties as assigned.
The ACP is expected to maintain the highest level of workplace safety by following Zoo safety protocols and procedures and reporting injuries immediately to management. The position may involve working with unpredictable wild animals, dangerous species, and animals that may carry zoonotic diseases, as well as exposure to cleaning and disinfecting agents, extreme heat, cold, storms, wet or slippery surfaces, and other environmental conditions. Proper use of personal protective equipment, including face masks, N95 masks, gloves, and other required safety equipment, is mandatory. Physical requirements include frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and communication, along with regular use of hands, fingers, tools, and controls. The position routinely requires lifting or moving more than 50 pounds.
Qualifications include a high school diploma or some college, with a bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field preferred. Previous experience or an internship at a zoological institution is preferred. Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills, energy and enthusiasm for completing tasks, teamwork and team-building abilities, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines. Computer competency is required, as well as the ability to foster teamwork within and across departments. A current valid driver’s license with no traffic violations within the previous five years is preferred. Candidates must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to obtain certification and must have a current negative TB test with documentation or be willing to complete testing. Additional vaccination documentation and adherence to health and safety protocols, including the use of N95 masks and gloves, may be required.
Updated 3d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-3 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
$17 - $17 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
The Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. The Alabama Wilds Department at the Birmingham Zoo consists of a variety of animals native to Alabama.
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Animal Care Professional
Birmingham, Alabama, United States • Full Time