Seasonal Animal Care Professional, Elephants

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC•Birmingham, AL

3d•$12 - $12•Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Animal Care Professional in the Elephants department performs daily animal husbandry and supports the health and wellbeing of the Zoo’s bachelor herd of African elephants. Duties include monitoring animal behavior, maintaining habitats, preparing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining accurate records, and engaging with guests through informal and formal interactions. The role supports safe, consistent, high-quality animal care operations and requires professional conduct consistent with the Zoo’s mission and core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion. This is a temporary seasonal position lasting no more than six months. There is no guarantee of employment for the full six-month period or transition to a permanent position. Employment is expected to end when a full-time employee is hired or when departmental needs no longer require the position, whichever occurs first. Employees will receive at least one week’s notice of the anticipated end of their assignment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; a degree is preferred.
Strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
Clear and respectful written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Attention to detail and proficiency with standard computer systems.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods in outdoor and operational environments.
Ability to use hands, fingers, tools, and equipment required for assigned tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively and exchange 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 weather, humidity, temperature changes, and wet or uneven surfaces.
Use and understanding of personal protective equipment based on assigned tasks and work conditions; compliance with Zoo safety policies and procedures.
May be required to meet health and safety requirements based on job duties and risk exposure, which may include TB testing, rabies vaccination or titer verification, and documentation of other vaccinations. Appropriate PPE, including an N95 respirator or similar protection, may be required when documentation is not provided or current.
May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or complete training and certification as a condition of the role.
If required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles, powered equipment, or ride or attraction systems, must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record; pre-employment and annual MVR reviews apply.
May be required to work during emergencies or unusual operational circumstances.
Final candidates may be subject to background screening and drug testing, in accordance with applicable law.

Nice To Haves

Experience in animal care, including volunteer, internship, or paid work in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field.
Initiative and an interest in supporting conservation-focused work.

Responsibilities

Perform daily animal husbandry, including cleaning and maintaining elephant habitats and holding areas, preparing and distributing diets, and providing environmental enrichment.
Observe, document, and communicate animal behavior, health, and wellbeing concerns to the Elephant Zoological Manager and department team.
Support elephant training and care activities using approved techniques and departmental protocols, as appropriate to training and experience.
Maintain accurate and timely animal care records using established departmental systems.
Apply understanding of elephant biology, behavior, and husbandry practices while adapting to changing animal care and operational needs.
Communicate with team members, prioritize assigned responsibilities, and collaborate to complete daily departmental tasks safely and efficiently.
Maintain safety awareness around elephants, equipment, and habitats, and follow established safety procedures and departmental guidelines.
Support a respectful, safe, and welcoming work environment and engage professionally with Zoo guests as appropriate.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, safety requirements, and training requirements.
Model professionalism and accountability for employees, volunteers, interns, and other assigned personnel; the role has no direct supervisory responsibility.
Report injuries, incidents, and safety concerns through established channels.
Participate in guest engagement opportunities, including presentations, as applicable.
Travel on occasion if required.