Facility

Birmingham Zoo, Inc.

Closing Date

Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Birmingham Zoo’s unique elephant program houses a bachelor herd of African elephants. The Animal Care Professional III (Lead) – Elephants is a position responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of the Elephant department with a demonstrated good working knowledge of animal care and welfare. The ACP III (Lead) – Elephants has taken the steps to become proficient in their expertise to lead the department in the Elephant Manager’s 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 Elephant Manager and Veterinary staff in a timely manner. Completes assignments for animal immobilizations.
Develops a good line of communication with the Elephant Manager 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, weapon’s 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 Elephant Manager 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 Level III expectations listed below:

Acts as Lead ACP in Elephant Manager’s absence.
Evaluates animal’s dietary needs. Consults with the Elephant Manager 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 Elephant Manager with input on exhibit creation or changes.
Champions conservation efforts by BZI.
Other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

High School degree, or some college; Bachelor’s Degree in an animal related field preferred.
At least 3-4 years’ experience or internship in a zoological institution. Elephant experience highly preferred.
Experience with bull elephant management preferred.
Completion of Principles of Elephant Management I preferred.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills; have high energy and enthusiasm for completion of tasks; possess team building skills; and has 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 driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
Must be First aid/CPR certified.
Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test.

Application instructions

Apply online: www.birminghamzoo.com, About Us, Employment