SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is looking for a dynamic and experienced keeper to join our team. Our Animal Care Professional (ACP) is a full time position responsible for the daily training and husbandry of 10 species of animals in the Predator building through operant conditioning and enrichment to provide exemplary animal care and welfare. In addition to animal care and training, this position will also include daily maintenance of animal habitats, behind the scenes tours and interactions, and public lion training demonstrations. Collectively with other zoo employees, these activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo. As part of the predator department, this position may include cross training on other routines, as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 and conducts animal training according to department procedures.
• Creates new enrichment ideas and items 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.
• Expands knowledge of animal care by cross-training in other animal departments.
• Actively participate in one or more of the following: AAZK, enrichment or training committee, safety committee, interpretive committee, weapons team, area research projects, education or conservation programs, or other activity that enhances or promotes the Birmingham Zoo.
• Exhibits the ability to apply classical and operant conditioning and to train at least basic behaviors, as defined by the area Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and assists in the development of the departmental program, including researching and developing new enrichment options and development of enrichment schedules.
• Actively plays a key role in resolving any animal related emergencies or drills that occur within the zoo (i.e. dangerous animal escape), regardless of which animal area the emergency is in.
• Assist ZM in preparing for animal immobilizations.
• Assists in training new staff members to include seasonal staff and interns.
• Seeks out courses or training opportunities to better their skill and knowledge base.
• Other duties as assigned.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The ACP II is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The ACP II position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures:

• The ACP will have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
• The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous or may carry zoonotic diseases.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning and disinfecting agents.
• Weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and storm conditions.

Specific training and procedures designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection will be provided.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

Animal Care Professionals, as with any staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoos overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

• College degree in a zoology-related field preferred.
• At least 1-2 years ACP experience in either work experience or internship preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• 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.

Desirable qualities

• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements:

• Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid drivers license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

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.