Current Positions
Animal Nutrition Center Keeper
Hoofstock Keeper – Trails of Africa Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
Zoological Manager – Trails of Africa Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
Assistant Elephant Manager – Trails of Africa
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.
Camp Manager
Full time
Click here for a job description and information about how to apply.
Volunteer Coordinator
Part-time, Hourly
Click here for a job description and information about how to apply.
Marketing Coordinator
RESPONSIBILITY:
This position supports the Marketing Manager in developing and implementing the plan for broad promotion of the Zoo through marketing, advertising and public relations functions.
DUTIES:
- As directed by Marketing Manager, assists with implementation of strategies to meet organizations objectives for general attendance, paid attendance, membership marketing, educational program awareness, birthday parties and special events.
- Assists with all PR related activities of the Zoo.
- Assists with preparation/writing of press releases, articles for Animal Tracks and other publications plus interviews of staff, donors and volunteers as appropriate for research preparation.
- Assists with production of all printed materials for public distribution, and proper and timely internal and external distribution of these materials.
- Aids in development of advertising content and placement.
- Aids in research to determine current market conditions and potentials.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- BS in Marketing or related field and/or two years’ experience in a marketing position or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent platform skills
- Proficient in social media avenues (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Please submit resume with cover letter to marketing@birminghamzoo.com.
Animal Nutrition Center Keeper
RESPONSIBILITY:
This position is responsible for the preparation and delivery of prescribed diets and the control of inventory. This position is also the training ground for all animal keepers at the Birmingham Zoo.
DUTIES:
- Prepare animal diets as directed.
- Deliver diets to the various collection areas as directed.
- Clean and maintain the nutrition center according to procedures.
- Maintain appropriate inventory as directed by the nutrition manager/registrar.
- Train as a relief keeper in all collection departments and develop skills that would lead to an animal keeper position.
- Communicate problems or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff or public to the manager/registrar or member of senior staff.
- Perform manual labor to include; cleaning exhibits of animal waste and other unwanted material, moving feed bags and moving animals.
- Interact with Zoo visitors concerning Zoo operations, education and conservation.
- Follow established protocol unless directed by a supervisor to deviate from that protocol.
- Prepare daily reports as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- 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 up to 50 pounds.
- Exposure to wet surfaces during daily cleaning.
- Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
High School Degree / GED – College degree preferred; willingness to be a team player; good oral and written communication skills; understanding and appreciation for the Birmingham Zoo’s mission.
Interested candidates should submit aninternal application, available from the switchboard to the Registrar within 7 workdays of January 19, 2012.
Programs Keeper
Part-time, Hourly
The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking a part time zookeeper for the Programs Department.
Responsibilities include the daily inspection, feeding, cleaning, training, enrichment, medicating and maintenance of the animals in the Programs Department. The Programs collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
In addition to husbandry duties, Programs keepers will conduct interpretive programming, including participating and conducting on-grounds animal presentations, Zoocrew off-ground events, special marketing events, birthday parties, and summer wildlife shows. Keeper will be expected to interact and interpret with visitors in a positive manner. Strong public presentation skills while working with live animals is preferred. Part-time keeper positions are intended to prepare individuals for professional zoo-keeping careers.
Qualifications:
- Candidates must possess good communication, observational, and organization skills and the ability to work well with others in a team environment. Must possess good public speaking skills.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform duties in extreme weather
- Biology-related degree and/or animal care experience is preferred, experience in theater or related public speaking field a plus.
- Prior animal training using operant conditioning and environmental animal enrichment experience desired.
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 the Zoo’s employment application. Send completed application with a cover letter and resume to: Andy Schertz, Supervisor-Program Animals, Birmingham Zoo, Inc., 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 or email it to aschertz@birminghamzoo.com with “PT Keeper Position” as the subject.
Hoofstock Keeper – Trails of Africa Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
The Birmingham Zoo has openings for Full-time Hoofstock keepers for the Savannah Area. These positions will be tasked with the care for the assigned animals, including a herd of reticulated giraffe, Grant’s zebra, Red River hogs, ostrich and a variety of African hoofstock and birds. These positions will also participate in growth and development of the Trails of Africa Exhibit, including Phase II involving the addition of a new giraffe feeding platform, expanding exhibit yards, and the evolution of mixed species exhibits.
Under the direction of the Savannah Zoological Manager, the successful candidates will provide experienced care to the animals in the collection and perform related work of maintaining buildings, grounds and interpretives. Must be motivated, a self starter, enthusiastic, 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, enrichment, and record keeping.
Qualifications:
- Understanding and implementation of BZI’s mission
- 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
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological field and a minimum of one year experience with exotics is required
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 the Zoo’s employment application. Send completed application with a cover letter, resume, and salary history to: Wes Sims, Trails of Africa Curator, Birmingham Zoo, Inc., 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 or email it to wsims@birminghamzoo.com.
Zoological Manager – Trails of Africa Savannah/Hoofed Mammals
The Birmingham Zoo has an opening for a Full-time Zoological Manager of the 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, facilities, and care for the assigned animals, including a herd of reticulated giraffe, Grant’s zebra, and a variety of African hoofstock and birds. This position will also participate in growth and development of the Trails of Africa Exhibit, including Phase II involving the addition of a new giraffe feeding facility, expanding exhibit yards, and the evolution of mixed species exhibits.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of three years experience with the husbandry of a variety of exotic ungulates, especially giraffe in a zoo setting
- Previous supervisory experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological field
- 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
- Supervise and train the keeper staff responsible 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 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 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: Wes Sims, Trails of Africa Curator, Birmingham Zoo, Inc., 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 or email wsims@birminghamzoo.com.
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 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: Wes Sims, Trails of Africa Curator, Birmingham Zoo, Inc., 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 or email wsims@birminghamzoo.com.
2012 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.
Responsibility:
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
Responsibilties:
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
