Current Positions
Zoological Manager of Animal Programs
Assistant Elephant Manager – Trails of Africa
Zoological Manager – Trails of Africa, Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
Seasonal Operation Employees
(on-going)
Zoo Services
(on-going)
Download an employment application.
Please send resumes to:
Human Resources
Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
Fax: 205.879.9426
The Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and drug-free facility.
Zoological Manager of Animal Programs
Reports to: Education Curator
Date Posted: April 18, 2013
Summary:
The Animal Programs Department is responsible for designing and implementing educational programs that utilize Programs Animals in our interpretive programming (Wildlife Shows, Zoo events, outreach programs, educational programs for schools, media appearances, animal greeters for special events, etc.). Additionally, this department works closely with other departments to develop educational messages regarding exhibit animals.
Responsibilities:
This Zoo Manager (ZM) works closely with their departmental Curator and is tasked with supervising staff and providing technical lead in the care of animals in the assigned area. These activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is educational, entertaining and serves to further the mission of Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
The Programs ZM coordinates the interpretive and animal portions of all presentations involving Programs Animals. The Programs ZM works closely with the Education Manager to develop interpretive content that is in line with the Zoo’s educational goals. The Programs ZM also works with other ZM’s that use exhibit animals for interpretive purposes to develop and deliver quality interpretive programs to the public.
Duties:
- Supervise and train the animal Keepers in the approved protocols of the assigned area.
- Makes recommendations regarding changes to Zoo policy or procedure to ensure continuous improvement.
- Provide recommendations for professional development of assigned staff with respect to animal husbandry, education and conservation programs.
- Input animal data into the computer system to ensure current data is available to all zoo staff members regarding assigned animals.
- Clean and maintain animal exhibits, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
- Evaluate and prepare diets and consult with the Curator and Animal Health Center staff regarding the condition of the animal, weather and temperature influence, and any other special consideration relating to the species or individual animal.
- Assumes a lead role in the observation of assigned animals with respect to general activity, interactions with other animals, fecal ouput and reproductive behavior.
- Responsible for capturing, crating and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques that ensure maximum safety of the animals and staff.
- Communicate problems or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff or public to the Curator or members of senior staff.
- Interact with Zoo visitors concerning Zoo operations, education and conservation.
- Follow established protocols unless directed by a supervisor to deviate from said protocols.
- Coordinates training of the use of program animals with the Volunteers and staff of the Education Department.
- Trains and directs all keeper positions assigned to their area.
- Helps manage the department in the Curator’s absence. This includes making sure that the department is properly staffed, that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that any problems are reported to the staff member in charge.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required; college degree in an applicable field is preferred.
- Minimum three years’ experience as a Keeper; supervisory keeper experience is preferred.
- Successful experience in training a variety of animal species.
- Excellent public speaking skills.
- Must be goal-oriented, highly motivated, and able to multi-task.
- Must possess excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
- Understanding and appreciation for BZI’s mission.
Physical Demands:
The following physical demands 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 and/or controls.
- Frequent requirements to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch, talk and hear.
- Routine requirements to lift and/or move up objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent walking for long distances.
- Exposure to wet surfaces.
- Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
Work Environment:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.
Safety Analysis:
The ZM position is impacted by a wide variety of hazardous exposures:
- The ZM will have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
- The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous.
- The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents.
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, where indicated. The ZM assists the Curator in making sure that all staff are trained on the proper use of safety equipment.
ZM’s, as with any employee of the Zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s safety policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook and are responsible for reporting any injury to the First Aid Department.
Application Process:
Application deadline is 5pm CST on April 30, 2013. Applicants are instructed to electronically submit a letter of intent, resume and application to:
Phil Broder
Curator of Education
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
pbroder@birminghamzoo.com
Click here to download an employment application. It may be faxed to 205.879.9426 or scanned and submitted electronically.
Nightlife Programs Ambassador
Seasonal, Part-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Naturalist
Date Posted: March 29, 2013
Program Summary:
The Birmingham Zoo offers overnight (ZooSnooze) and evening (Twilight Tour) Nightlife Programs to a variety of groups. Programs are scheduled by groups, such as Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Church Groups, Schools and families for Birthday Parties. These programs generally occur during the months of March-November, although not exclusively. Programs typically include an animal demonstration, carousel ride, snack time, craft/activity and nighttime tour around the Zoo. Overnight participants sleep outdoors in the Children’s Zoo or Trails of Africa sections of the Zoo.
Responsibilities:
The Nightlife Program Ambassador is responsible for ensuring that the Nightlife program runs smoothly and that customer service needs are met. The Nightlife Program Ambassador will instruct attendees using provided educational material and be responsible for delivering educational programs. The Nightlife Program Ambassador is responsible for supervising attendees throughout the event and ensuring the safety of attendees during overnights at the Zoo. The hours and schedule of the position may vary from week to week.
Duties:
- Uses effective oral presentation skills to provide information about the Birmingham Zoo’s animals to attendees in an engaging and educational manner.
- Encourages enthusiasm for animals and conservation.
- Works with Volunteers to provide exciting educational programs.
- Supervises attendees at all times.
- Collects and reviews all paperwork from attendees.
- Calculates, collects and deposits payments.
- Collects and prepares needed supplies.
- Safely operates the carousel.
- Effectively handles customer service concerns.
- Follows all Birmingham Zoo Procedures and Guidelines.
- May be trained to handle Education Program Animals for Animal Demonstrations following all Program Department Animal Guidelines.
- Sleeps in area near the group for overnight programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervises:
Volunteers
Qualifications:
- Preferred college degree in related fields.
- Preferred experience in customer service related tasks.
- Must be goal oriented, highly motivated, and be able to multi-task.
Must possess excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
Physical Demands:
The following physical demands 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, fools or controls.
- Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch and talk or hear.
- Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Requires frequent walking for long distances.
- Exposure to wet surfaces.
- Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
Work Environment:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.
Application Process:
Applicants are instructed to electronically submit a letter of intent, resume and application (as PDFs) to:
Phil Broder
Curator of Education
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
pbroder@birminghamzoo.com
The application may be faxed to 205.879.9426 or scanned and submitted electronically as a PDF.
Curator – Trails of Africa Department
Organization: Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
Location: Birmingham, AL
Date Posted: March 6, 2013
Birmingham Zoo, Inc. has an opening for a Curator of our Trails of Africa Department. This Curator reports to the Vice-President of Animal Care and Conservation and is assisted by a team of 2 Zoological Managers and 12 zookeepers. The Trails of Africa is a 14 acre state-of-the-art Elephant complex that, in its maturity, will display a variety of African veldt animals to complement the signature attraction – cohabitating Bull African Elephants. The Trails of Africa provides an unprecedented view of the animals roaming in an environment that closely matches the wilds of Africa. Rounding out the attraction are a number of water features, wallows, the LAIR (Large Animal Information and Research facility – which includes night holding for the elephants), recently-renovated Rhino and Hippo facility, new Giraffe exhibit yard and feeding platform, Boma encounter area, and rhino encounter area. In addition to Bull African Elephants, the Trails of Africa exhibit White rhinos, Nile hippo, giraffe, zebra, Red river hogs, gazelle and ostrich.
The successful candidate will have a broad background in mega-mammal species management, a minimum of 10 years experience in an accredited zoological institution working with elephants and a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience. Completion of the AZA’s Principles of Elephant Management course is preferred. Working knowledge of AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care, as well as the policy on Maximizing Occupational Safety of Elephant Care Professionals, is necessary. A BS in Zoology, biological sciences, or related field is preferred, as well as proficiency in PC software for spreadsheets and word processing.
Specific responsibilities include (but not limited to):
- Develops a behavioral program for the animal collection that will provide exciting and unpredictable experiences for our visitors.
- Directs all personnel and administrative functions within the Trails of Africa department which includes hiring, staff development, disciplining, training, budgeting, performance evaluations, etc.
- Works closely with the zoo’s Veterinarian and Animal Health Center.
- Works closely with other departments to bring educational experiences to life in regards to the Trails of Africa animal collection.
- Maintains a thriving attraction through enrichment, daily husbandry needs, and dynamic exhibitry within the area.
- Prepares for, and initiates, human and animal emergency and safety procedures, including dangerous animal escape procedures.
- Responsible for continuing education in the areas of enrichment and animal husbandry for self and assigned staff members.
- Ensures compliance with all BZI policies and procedures.
- Becomes an integral part of the complete team of professionals throughout the zoo who work together to provide safe and unparalleled guest experiences in all aspects of the zoo visit.
- Involvement in various collaborative programs at the Regional, National and International levels focusing on research, behavioral, and animal husbandry issues that will assist the institution in developing and refining elephant management and husbandry. Also will work with fellow institutions and the AZA in developing and maintaining the highest standards in elephant management.
- Participates in “manager on duty” rotation to provide animal management coverage on weekends and holidays.
- Coordinates all related tours, after-hours visitor experiences, education classes, development activities, marketing and public relations activities for the Trails of Africa.
- Sets standards of care and writes protocols for the care and management of elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffe and other African hoofstock.
Candidates should be able to handle physical demands as noted below:
- Use of hands, fingers, tools and controls.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk and hear.
- Routinely lift or move up to 50 pounds.
- Exposure to wet surfaces.
- At times may be required to wear a face mask.
- Exposure to the elements.
Applicants are instructed to electronically submit a letter of intent, resume and application to:
Dr. Clay Hilton
Vice-President of Animal Care, Education & Conservation
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
chilton@birminghamzoo.com
The application may be faxed to 205.879.9426.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 22nd, 2013.
Assistant Elephant Manager – Trails of Africa
The Birmingham Zoo has an opening for a Full-time Assistant Elephant Manager for the new Trails of Africa exhibit. This position will work closely with Elephant Manager and Trails of Africa Curator and is tasked with both supervisory responsibility of a team of keepers, facilities, and care for the assigned animals, including a herd of bull African elephants, White rhino, and Nile hippo. This individual will supervise and manage a team of keepers, and must be a self-motivated, team focused individual with the ability to lead, coach, manage, and schedule a professional staff.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of three years experience as an elephant keeper, bull elephant experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological field
- Previous supervisory experience preferred
- Excellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal management skills, and computer skills are necessary
- Good decision making skills
- Should be able to respond to emergencies, take control of the situations, and see them through to closure
- Must have the ability to work as a team member and to interact with the visitors in a positive manner
- Graduation from AZA’s Principles of Elephant Management School, or willing to attend course within 18 months of employment
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous duties in all weather conditions
Expectations:
- Understanding and appreciation for BZI’s mission
- In the absence of the Elephant Manager, supervise the keeper staff responsible for all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to, cleaning, feeding, watering, training, observing, record keeping, and maintaining of exhibits
- Oversee the implementation of animal training and behavioral enrichment programs, manage work assignments, and coordinate staffing levels of area personnel
- Able to demonstrate animal training skills, necessary husbandry skills (hoof care, etc.) and extensive knowledge in animal enrichment
- Available to work all necessary hours including weekends, holidays, special events and on occasion evenings as needed
Birmingham Zoo, Inc. is an EOE and a drug-free work place. Must be able to obtain a valid Alabama State Drivers license within 30 days of hire.
To apply, please download our employment application. Send completed application with a cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
Dr. Clay Hilton
Vice-President of Animal Care, Education & Conservation
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
chilton@birminghamzoo.com
The application may be faxed to 205.879.9426.
Zoological Manager – Trails of Africa, Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
The Birmingham Zoo has an opening for a Full-time Zoological Manager of our Savannah Area. This Zoological Manager (ZM) works closely with Trails of Africa Curator and is tasked with both supervisory responsibility of a team of keepers and interns, facilities, and care for the assigned animals, including a herd of reticulated giraffe, Grant’s zebra, a variety of African hoofstock, red river hogs and birds. This position will also manage the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, as well as other interactions/keeper talks with the public.
Qualifications:
- Previous supervisory experience preferred.
- Minimum of five years experience with the husbandry of a variety of exotic ungulates, especially giraffe in a zoo setting.
- Experience with supervising zookeepers/interns, including evaluations, scheduling, mentoring and training new zookeepers, safety audits, and fostering teamwork.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological field preferred.
- Excellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal management skills, and computer skills are necessary.
- Good decision making skills. Should be able to respond to emergencies, take control of the situations, and see them through to closure. Must have the ability to work as a team member and to interact with the visitors in a positive manner.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous duties in all weather conditions.
Expectations:
- Understanding and appreciation for BZI’s mission.
- Manages/Updates all area safety protocols and SOPs.
- Supervise and train the keeper staff on best practices for all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to, cleaning, feeding, watering, observing, record keeping, and maintaining of exhibits.
- Oversee the implementation of animal training and behavioral enrichment programs, maintaining mixed species exhibits, and animal/visitor interactives (giraffe feeding).
- Manage work assignments and coordinate staffing levels of area personnel.
- Active participation in TAGs and other AZA programs required.
- Available to work all necessary hours including weekends, holidays, special events and evenings as needed.
Birmingham Zoo, Inc. is an EOE and a drug-free work place. Chosen candidate must be able to obtain a valid Alabama State Drivers license within 30 days of hire.
To apply, please go to our website at www.birminghamzoo.com and download our employment application. Send completed application with a cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
Dr. Clay Hilton
Vice-President of Animal Care, Education & Conservation
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
chilton@birminghamzoo.com
The application may be faxed to 205.879.9426.
Experienced Elephant Keeper
Organization: Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (AZA Member)
Location: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Job or Internship: Job
Department: Trails of Africa
Birmingham Zoo, Inc. is seeking an experienced candidate for the unique challenge of participating in an elephant program completely made up of Bull African elephants. Under the direction of the Elephant/Zoological Manager, the successful candidate will provide experienced care to the animals in the collection and perform related work of maintaining buildings, grounds and interpretive. Experience working with elephants, most notably Bull elephants, is preferred. Must be motivated, a self starter, enthusiastic, safety conscious and team-oriented. Strong public presentation skills while working with live animals is preferred. Duties include operant conditioning, cleaning, animal observations, assisting with veterinary procedures, environmental enrichment, and record keeping.
The Trails of Africa pachyderm area maintains a herd of four male African elephants, a group of white rhinos, and a Nile hippo. The program’s goals include: becoming a leader in male elephant reproductive and hormonal research, semen collection, and male African elephant behavioral management.
Qualifications:
Understanding and implementation of BZI’s mission (available at BZI’s web page). Detailed and current knowledge of natural history, animal behavior and husbandry is required. Basic knowledge of the management of captive populations, including related AZA conservation programs. Good decision making skills. Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous duties in all weather conditions. Birmingham Zoo, Inc. is an EOE and a drug-free work place. Must be able to obtain a valid Alabama State Drivers license within 30 days of hire.
To apply, please download our employment application. Send completed application with a cover letter and resume to:
Dr. Clay Hilton
Vice-President of Animal Care, Education & Conservation
Birmingham Zoo, Inc.
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
chilton@birminghamzoo.com
The application may be faxed to 205.879.9426.
2013 Spring/Summer/Fall Seasonal Employment
Experience a fun, friendly, and unique work environment with a part-time job at The Birmingham Zoo. Energetic, responsible and service-oriented people are needed for seasonal positions throughout the Zoo. These include positions in Gift Shops, Train, Front Gate, Birthday Parties and more.
Responsibilities:
Assigned to one of a variety of revenue areas, the Cashier is responsible for providing fast, friendly service to our guests while following proper cash handling procedures. Cashiers are also responsible for daily cleaning of the strollers, restocking of gift shop merchandise and providing information to Zoo visitors.
Duties:
- Greets all visitors with a smile and offers assistance
- Communicates clearly and in a friendly manner
- Insures accuracy of transaction and provides merchandise to visitor and communicates appreciation for their business
- Responsible for following cash handling and asset protection policies and requirements
- Responsible for all checklists associated with the cashier position
- Utilizes computer in the preparation and use of daily cash worksheet and balancing at the end of each day
- Fills in for other visitor services personnel as needed and directed
- Responsible for the cleaning and organizing of assigned areas
- Works as a team player to help others complete their objectives as needed
- Responsible for following all Zoo sanitation standards
- Other duties as assigned
Zoo Services
Responsibilities:
The Zoo Services host or hostess is responsible for the cleanliness of the grounds, upkeep of the restrooms, trash collection, parking lot sweeping, and set up crew for various group sales events and special events.
Duties:
- Must learn and display competency on the safe and proper use of all cleaning chemicals and equipment
- Nightly cleaning of all public restrooms, picnic area, and trash pick up
- Daily cleaning of restrooms and zoo grounds
- Morning prep of zoo grounds for opening
- Possible assignment as Children’s Zoo Monitor to make sure that children are playing safely
- Assists on set up of zoo special events; Boo at the Zoo and ZooLight Safari
- Other duties as assigned
Qualification Requirements:
- High School Degree or GED
- Valid Driver’s License
- Good organizational skills
- Flexibility and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet frequent deadlines
- Willingness to be a team player
