Safety Operations Officer

Description

SUMMARY

The Safety Operations Officer is responsible for supporting a robust safety program that incorporates planning, prevention, response, recovery, and related initiatives including training, practice drills, active monitoring of safety practices, and motivational tools to inspire employees to actively participate in and support high levels of compliance and cooperation. This position promotes the incorporation of an institutional culture of safety into all policies, procedures, meetings, planning efforts, and budgeting considerations in order to enhance safety and reduce the potential for accidents and incidents at the Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (BZI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with the Manager of Operations to plan, implement, and assess regular emergency drills, ensuring staff readiness and compliance with AZA accreditation standards.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, AZA, and other regulatory workplace safety standards.
• Address non-compliant or substandard situations by working with department managers and staff to develop timely, feasible, and cost-effective solutions.
• Maintain and update SDS and other hazard communication materials.
• Coordinate firearms training for the Emergency Weapons Team with Director and General Curator.
• Manage radio repairs and purchases in collaboration with the Manager of Operations.
• Oversee and coordinate staff training in workplace health and safety programs, including heavy equipment operation, hazardous material handling, fall protection, confined space protocols, lockout/tagout, first aid, bloodborne pathogens, and PPE. Provide safety training records to Human Resources.
• Assist the Manager of Operations and Deputy Director with safety and security-related projects.
• Serve as Ride Safety Lead, ensuring all rides are maintained in safe working order and all policies and protocols are up to date.
• Conduct routine perimeter fence checks biweekly and after major storm events.
• Oversee AZA drill documentation and compliance.
• Act as liaison between the security company and the Zoo.
• Manage key distribution, replication, and logging.
• Participate in Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Safety Operations Officer does not have direct reports but provides guidance on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with department managers to ensure adherence to safety standards, coordinate training and drills, and serve as a point of contact for safety concerns.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Safety Operations Officer is impacted by hazardous exposures common to the industry.  Some of the following exposures will occur daily:

• Exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, humidity, darkness, and/or noise.
• Hazards associated with ride operation and maintenance.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents and chemicals
• Equipment operation requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as ear and eye protection.
• The hazards of working with electricity.
• Understanding the protocols surrounding working in confined spaces.

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the Zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.  The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.  The Safety Operations Officer bears overall responsibility for making sure that all staff members under their direction are trained on the proper use of safety equipment.

The Safety Operations Officer is responsible for keeping safety policies and procedures for the Zoo updated. 

The Safety Operations Officer, as with any staff member of the Zoo, is required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to management or Human Resources. 

The Safety Operations Officer must be familiar with radio protocols and all animal safety protocols. 

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 the following:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls; and communicate with others 
• Frequently required to walk/move across the Zoo, access and move items high up or low to the ground
• Communicate effectively with staff and animals.
• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected.

Qualifications

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

• High School Diploma required.
• Five (5) or more years as a facility and/or safety representative or equivalent experience.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to utilize the following materials: calculator, computer, general office equipment, hand-tools, and power equipment.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality as well as exercise discretion.
• Ability to coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
• Ability to convey information, including technical, clearly and concisely.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft suite; experience with online databases a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Other Requirements

• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• 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
• Typically Wednesday through Sunday.
• Schedule may vary between weekdays and weekends.
• Weekend work may be required, as well as occasional evening work and holidays.
• Will be included in Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation following appropriate training

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 $19.23/hour.

Salary : $19