Animal Care Professional Lead, Predators

Description

The Predator Department at the Birmingham Zoo consists of a variety of felid, canid and small mammal species. Species in the area range from Non-dangerous to Dangerous and consist of a variety of felid species from African Lion to Black-Footed Cat, canids such as Coyote and Fennec Fox, and small mammals such as Red Panda and Prevost’ Squirrel.

Animal Care Professional, Lead (ACP Lead) is a position responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of the animal collection in their department with a demonstrated good working knowledge of animal care and welfare. ACP III has also taken the steps to become proficient in their expertise to act as Lead ACP in the Zoo Managers absence. 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Displays and demonstrates a progressive knowledge in the 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 assure the health and safety of the animals. 
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine. 
• Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal animal behavior in their department.
• Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any animal medical problems to the Zoological Manager (ZM) and Veterinary staff in a timely manner. 
• Uses classical and operant conditioning with the animals in their department. 
• 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.
• Assist with exhibit design and modifications.
• Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department. 
• 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 Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. 
• Assists in training new ACPs within the department. 
• Works directly with ZM to help plan for the departmental growth and changes. 
• Fills in as the point of contact for the department in the absence of the Zoological Manager and communicate with ZMs, curators, Veterinary Staff or other departments as needed. 
• Is familiar with BZI employee handbook, the animal department SOP, and their assigned area SOPs.
• Serve as a positive example for their fellow ACPs, present themselves in a professional manner at all times, and be a mentor and resource for ACPs within their department. 
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position does not directly supervise any subordinate position. A Lead ACP may be the point of contact for the department when in the absence of the Zoological Manager.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

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

• 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.

All staff members of the zoo are required 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 their Manager. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee 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.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Zoology, or an equivalent field of study is preferred.
• Must have advanced experience in an animal care role, preferably in a Zoo or Aquarium

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as decision making skills; possess team building skills; and can handle multiple tasks and delegate; attention to details as well as initiative and follow through. Must have the ability to organize and manage time, meet deadlines.
• Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
• Competency in computer skills.
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills (friendly, courteous and helpful)
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic primate and North American animal husbandry.

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 provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.
• Must be willing to travel locally.  Must have a current valid driver’s 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Diversity & Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, neurodiverse individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position. 

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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.

Salary : $17