Animal Care Professional, Lead

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

1d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities

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.