Animal Care Professional, Lead

The Animal Care Professional, Lead is responsible for daily animal husbandry and supporting animal health, welfare, and operational standards. The role serves as a resource for staff and provides operational coverage when the Zoological Manager is unavailable. The team cares for species including Black Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Eastern Bongo, Ostrich, Red Flanked Duiker, and other animals.

All employees serve as ambassadors of the Zoo and are expected to represent its mission and core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion when interacting with the public and performing their duties.

The Lead Animal Care Professional performs and models advanced animal husbandry, welfare, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance practices while following established protocols. The position observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and welfare concerns, maintains accurate animal records, and supports safe animal handling, restraint, transport, and daily operational procedures.

The role provides functional leadership by training, guiding, and supporting employees, volunteers, and interns. While the position has no direct supervisory responsibility, it serves as a resource and point of contact to promote consistent, safe, and effective animal care practices. The employee also supports exhibit improvements, guest engagement, departmental planning, and cross-functional coordination and may provide operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager.

The position involves working in outdoor and operational Zoo environments with potential exposure to weather, equipment, and other environmental hazards. Employees must follow all Zoo safety policies and emergency procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and promptly report injuries, incidents, and safety concerns. Safety of people is the highest priority, followed by the safety of the animal collection.

The position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods. Employees must be able to use their hands and operate tools or equipment required for assigned duties, communicate effectively, and routinely lift, move, or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds or more depending on assigned responsibilities. The role may involve working in varying temperatures, humidity, weather conditions, and on wet or uneven surfaces.

A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced animal care experience is required, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking, sound judgment, organization, time management, and the ability to prioritize operational needs.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. The successful candidate should be able to provide guidance and knowledge-sharing to staff, interns, and volunteers while promoting consistency, teamwork, and accountability. Attention to detail and proficiency with required computer systems and animal recordkeeping tools are also important. Knowledge of animal husbandry practices, including species-specific care, commitment to excellent guest service, and an interest in conservation are preferred.

Employees working around animals may need to meet health and safety requirements based on job duties and exposure risks. These may include TB testing, rabies vaccination or titer verification, and other required vaccinations. Appropriate PPE, including an N95 respirator or similar protection, may be required when documentation is not current or when workplace protocols require it. First Aid/CPR certification may be required or must be obtained through employer-provided training.

The employee may be required to operate Zoo vehicles, golf carts, powered equipment, or ride and attraction systems. In such cases, a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required, with pre-employment and annual Motor Vehicle Report checks conducted according to Zoo policy. Occasional travel may also be required.

Work schedules are based on operational needs and may include weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events. Employees may also be required to work during emergencies or unusual operational circumstances.

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. Final candidates may be subject to background screening and drug testing as permitted by law. Employment is at-will and duties may be modified based on organizational and operational needs.