Animal Care Professional, Reptiles

About the role

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. This role collaborates with other zoo employees to present an educational, entertaining environment that supports the Birmingham Zoo's mission.

Responsibilities

• Displays and demonstrates the basic biology, behaviors and husbandry of the animals in their department.
• Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to ensure 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.
• Maintains weather-related needs for the animals in their department and shelters them 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.
• 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.
• Presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Expectations

• Becomes familiar with the BZI employee handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Animal Department as well as the SOPs assigned animal area.
• Sets a positive example for their fellow ACPs. Presents themselves in a professional manner at all times to co-workers, visitors and guests; this includes attendance, appearance and demeanor.
• Actively participates in AZA or AAZA activities.
• Actively participates in Zoo activities, fundraisers, etc.

Safety Analysis

• The ACP is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
• The ACP position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures, including dealing with unpredictable wild animals, caring for dangerous or zoonotic disease-carrying animals, and the proper use and understanding of cleaning and disinfecting agents.
• The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.
• The Birmingham Zoo requires all employees to be familiar with the Zoo's overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.

Physical Demands

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear.
• Routinely lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Exposure to wet surfaces and slippery surfaces.
• Required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.

Qualifications

• A High School degree, or some college; Bachelor’s Degree in an animal related field preferred.
• Previous experience or internship in a zoological institution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks; team building skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• 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 three years).
• First aid/CPR certified or willing to be certified.
• A current negative TB test and provide documentation or willing to have a TB test.

Position Type and Hours of Work

• Full time
• Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends.
• Weekend work required as well as occasional evening work and holidays.
• This position will primarily have no weekend days off, weekend days are assigned according to staff seniority.

Work Environment

• Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community.
• The core values—Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion—shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued.

Application Process

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
• Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $17.25/hour.