Animal Care Professional, Trails of Africa
About The Position
The Birmingham Zoo is looking for a candidate to join the Trails of Africa team as a full-time Animal Care Professional. The team provides care for reticulated giraffe, black rhinoceros, plains zebra, ostrich, eastern bongo, and red-flanked duiker. Primary responsibilities of this position include monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, providing environmental and behavioral enrichment, preparing diets, modifying habitats, maintaining accurate records, and presenting both formally and informally for the public. The candidate must be a motivated self-starter that is enthusiastic and team oriented. This position requires a team player capable of positive interactions with staff, guests, and volunteers. This is a full time position working at least 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed. Successful candidates will work in close proximity to dangerous animals, and professionalism and good communication are required.
Requirements
- Must have current negative TB test 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.
- Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
- Must be willing to travel locally.
- Must have a current, valid driver’s license with no major or excessive traffic violations within the last three years.
- A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or an equivalent field of study is preferred.
- Ability to multi-task, coordinate with others and meet deadlines.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to participate in presentations and public speaking.
- Knowledge of the Microsoft Office.
- Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
- High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
Nice To Haves
- Volunteer, intern, or paid animal care experience in a zoo or equivalent setting preferred.
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.
- 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.
- Maintains good communication with managers to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported.
- Provides enrichment, conducts animal training, and assesses animals wellbeing according to department procedures.
- Contributes new ideas for animal care and wellbeing to be added to their department repertoire.
- Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department, including daily reports and 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 programs visitors and guests.
- Other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
