SUMMARY

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 Lead 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 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.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• 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. Completes assignments for animal immobilizations.
• 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.
• Uses classical and operant conditioning with the animals in their department.
• 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 departments 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 Public Animal Talks to Zoo 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 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.

In addition to the above, the employee has taken the initiative to maintain expectations listed below:

• Acts as Lead ACP in Zoo Managers absence.
• Evaluates animals dietary needs. Consults with the Zoo Manager, Curator and veterinarian about dietary needs based on the condition of the animal, weather and temperature influence, and any other special consideration relating to the species or individual animal.
• Creates, applies for and/or accepts projects that benefit the animals under their care or conservation efforts and to present those results to peers at a conference, or to co-workers at Zoo training sessions.
• Seeks out courses or training opportunities to better their skill and knowledge base. Shares their knowledge with others.
• Assists Zoo Manager with input on exhibit creation or changes.
• Champions conservation efforts by BZI.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Familiarizes themselves 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 membership, committees and activities.
• Actively participates in Zoo activities, fundraisers, etc.

An ACP Lead is expected to maintain all of the above expectations to remain at this level. These expectations will be monitored and evaluated by the Zoological Manager throughout the year and documented.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct reports; has input on giving direction to ACPs, seasonal staff and volunteers

SAFETY ANALYSIS

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

• Depending on assignment, the ACP Lead 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 techniques for handling venomous reptiles.
• 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 Animal Care Professionals, as with any employee of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoos 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

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.

• High School degree, or some college; Bachelors Degree in an animal related field preferred.
• At least 3-4 years experience or internship in a zoological institution.
• Experience with venomous reptiles.
• Experience with dangerous reptiles including large varanid and crocodilians preferred.
• Experience with aquatic systems and invertebrates a plus.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills; have high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks; possess team building skills; and have the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must have ability to foster teamwork within and across teams.
• Competency in computer skills.
• Must have a current valid drivers license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
• Must be First aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be 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.

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 $16.48/hour.