Animal Care Professional, Primates/South America

About the role

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Animal Care Professional role serves as an ambassador for the Zoo, focusing on animal care and welfare. The role involves caring for a variety of primates and other species, ensuring their health and well-being through daily husbandry, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, and enrichment activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal husbandry tasks, including habitat maintenance, diet preparation, and behavior monitoring.
• Document and communicate animal health and behavior concerns, maintaining accurate records.
• Collaborate with the team to provide training for new staff and volunteers, fostering a respectful and safe work environment.
• Adhere to organizational policies and safety procedures, demonstrating professionalism and accountability.
• Support safe and consistent animal care practices in line with organizational standards.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in animal care is preferred, including volunteer, internship, or paid roles in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.
• Strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills.
• Clear communication skills, including both written and verbal formats.
• Attention to detail and proficiency with standard computer systems.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, humidity, temperature changes, and wet or uneven surfaces.

Qualifications

• Must meet health and safety requirements based on job duties and risk exposure, including TB testing, rabies vaccination or titer verification, and documentation of other vaccinations.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• May be required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles, including golf carts, powered equipment, and ride or attraction systems.
• May be required to travel on occasion.

Benefits

The position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and a supportive work environment focused on conservation and animal welfare.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $31,150 - $53,599 per year.

Schedule

Work schedules are flexible and based on operational needs, potentially including weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.