Animal Care Professional, Predators

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

19d•$17 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is a full-time position for animals in the Predator and Primate buildings with the opportunity to take on more species as the position develops. 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

Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and adherence to organizational policies, safety procedures, and training requirements, serving as a model for staff.
Use and understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required based on assigned tasks and work conditions.
Employees are required to follow all Zoo safety policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Emergency Procedure Manual and to promptly report injuries, incidents, or safety concerns through established reporting channels.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods in outdoor and operational environments.
Ability to use hands, fingers, and tools or equipment required for assigned tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively, including exchanging information with others.
Ability to routinely move, lift, or carry items up to 50 pounds or more, depending on assigned duties.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, humidity, temperature changes, and wet or uneven surfaces.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Opportunity to take on more species as the position develops.

Responsibilities

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 training new staff and volunteers, and supports a respectful, inclusive 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.