Animal Care Professional, Alabama Wilds

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

3d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

The Alabama Wilds Department at the Birmingham Zoo consists of a variety of animals native to Alabama. Species in the area range from Non-dangerous to Dangerous and consist of Black Bears, North American River Otters, Cougars and Bobcats, in addition to a variety of Birds and domestic barn animals. The Animal Care Professional is a full-time position responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of these animals with a demonstrated good working knowledge of animal care and welfare. ACPs will also work collectively with other Zoo employees and 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; have high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks; possess team building skills; and has the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
Competency in computer skills.
A current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations, within the last five years, preferred.
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.
Must provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.

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.
Uses classical and operant conditioning with the animals in their department.
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.
Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department.
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.
Actively plays a key role in resolving any animal-related emergencies or drills that occur within the zoo regardless of which animal area the emergency is in.
Assists in training new staff members including seasonal staff.
Other duties as assigned.