Animal Care Professional, Reptiles

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Professional (ACP) is responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of the animal collection in their department, with a basic working knowledge of animal care and welfare. These activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo.

Requirements

High School degree, or some college; Bachelor’s Degree in an animal related field preferred.
Previous experience or internship in a zoological institution.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must have high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks.
Must possess team building skills.
Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
Competency in computer skills.
Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
Must be First aid/CPR certified or be willing to be certified.
Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation or be willing to have a TB test.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in an animal related field
Previous experience or internship in a zoological institution
First aid/CPR certified
Current negative TB test and provide documentation

Responsibilities

Displays and demonstrates the basic biology, behaviors and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department.
Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any animal medical problems to the Zoological Manager and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
Develops a good line of communication with the Zoological Manager and Curator to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported.
Uses classical and operant conditioning with the animals in their department.
Utilizes and documents on the Training Goal Worksheet daily.
Utilizes the Environmental Enrichment Program and the enrichment requirements of the animals within their department.
Properly records the results of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
Creates new enrichment ideas and items to be added to their department repertoire.
Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department.
Documents animal behaviors or issues on the Daily Report.
Maintains and updates the department’s animal files.
Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests.
Other duties as assigned.