Animal Care Professional

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Care Professional is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal health and wellbeing, including monitoring behavior, maintaining habitats, preparing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining accurate records, and engaging with guests through informal and formal interactions. This role contributes to safe, consistent, and high-quality animal care operations across the assigned 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 daily animal husbandry and supports animal health and wellbeing, including maintaining habitats, preparing diets, monitoring behavior, providing enrichment and training, and adapting care practices based on environmental and operational needs.

- Observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and wellbeing concerns; maintains accurate records; and supports safe animal handling, restraint, and transport using approved techniques.

- Collaborates with team members, including assisting in training new staff and volunteers, and supports a respectful, safe, and welcoming work environment while engaging with guests and contributing to consistent, safe, and high-quality animal care practices in alignment with organizational policies and procedures.

- Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and applicable departmental guidelines.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Birmingham Zoo Inc. recognizes that skills and knowledge may be gained through a combination of education, paid employment, volunteer service, and other relevant experiences. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications for a position are encouraged to apply.

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.

- Experience in animal care is preferred, which may include volunteer, internship, or paid roles in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.

Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities

- Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.

- Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats, collaborates effectively with others, and participates in guest engagement opportunities, including presentations.

- Maintains attention to detail and proficiency with standard computer systems and demonstrates initiative and an interest in supporting conservation-focused work.

Other Requirements

- Employees working in or around animal areas may be required to meet health and safety requirements based on job duties and risk exposure, in accordance with applicable law. These requirements may include TB testing, rabies vaccination or titer verification, and documentation of other vaccinations. In situations where required documentation is not provided or current, employees may be required to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 respirator or similar protection, as determined by workplace safety protocols.

- May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or be willing to complete training and certification as a condition of the role.

- May be required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles (including golf carts), powered equipment, and/or ride or attraction systems. In such cases, must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Zoo policy. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.

- May be required to travel on occasion.