Weekend Rides & Park Quality Specialist

Birmingham Zoo Inc. (BZI) is a nonprofit, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited Zoo and regional tourist attraction serving the greater Birmingham community and beyond. We advance wildlife conservation through responsible animal care, education, and local and global conservation efforts in support of our mission, Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World.

About the role

The Rides & Park Quality Specialist supports ride operations and janitorial services to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for guests. This role contributes to daily operations by operating attractions, maintaining cleanliness across Zoo grounds, and supporting event setup and breakdown as needed. All employees serve as ambassadors of the Zoo and are expected to act professionally, consistent with the Zoo’s mission and core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Operates rides and attractions, including conducting routine checks, monitoring operations, assisting guests, and maintaining required documentation to support safe and consistent use.
• Performs janitorial services, including cleaning restrooms, maintaining grounds, managing waste, and preparing areas for daily operations and events.
• Provides guest support and collaborates with team members, including assisting with event setup and breakdown and responding to questions to support a positive guest experience.
• Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and applicable departmental guidelines.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and adherence to organizational policies, safety procedures, and training requirements, serving as a model for staff.

Safety Analysis

This position involves exposure to hazards common to outdoor and operational Zoo environments, including weather conditions, equipment, and other environmental factors. Specific training and procedures will be provided to maintain safety of people as the highest priority, followed by the safety of the animal collection.

• Use and understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required based on assigned tasks and work conditions.
• Demonstrates the ability to safely operate equipment, vehicles, tools, and attractions, including adherence to established procedures and obtaining training or certification as applicable.
• Demonstrates the ability to follow cleaning and sanitation safety practices, including protocols related to Bloodborne Pathogens, and to work safely in public-facing environments with awareness of guests.
• Employees are required to follow all Zoo safety policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Emergency Procedure Manual and to promptly report injuries, incidents, or safety concerns through established reporting channels.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and move for extended periods while supporting rides, attractions, and janitorial operations in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to use hands, fingers, and tools or equipment required for assigned tasks, such as cleaning, maintenance, ride operation support, and setup/breakdown activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including exchanging information with team members and guests in active, public-facing environments.
• Ability to routinely move, lift, or carry items up to 50 pounds or more, such as cleaning equipment, supplies, and operational materials.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, humidity, temperature changes, noise, water, and wet or uneven surfaces.

Qualifications

Birmingham Zoo Inc. recognizes that skills and knowledge may be gained through a combination of education, paid employment, volunteer service, and other relevant experiences. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications for a position are encouraged to apply.

• Education and Work Experience: High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities:
  • Communicates clearly and respectfully with guests and team members, and collaborates effectively to support a positive guest experience and daily operations.
  • Demonstrates reliability, attention to detail, and awareness of safety practices while managing assigned tasks and maintaining clean, organized environments.
• Other Requirements:
  • Employees working in or around animal areas may be required to 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. In situations where required documentation is not provided or current, employees may be required to use appropriate PPE, including an N95 respirator or similar protection.
  • May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or be willing to complete training and certification as a condition of the role.
  • Will be required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles (including golf carts), powered equipment, and/or ride or attraction systems. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Zoo policy. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.
  • May be required to travel on occasion.

Schedule

• This position is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays.
• Work schedules are based on operational needs and may include any combination of weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.
• Employees may be required to work during emergency situations or unusual operational circumstances.