Job Postings

Zoological Manager – Birds

Facility

Birmingham Zoo. Inc.

Closing Date
May 25, 2021
Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is seeking applicants for a Zoological Manager of Birds. This is a frontline supervisor position reporting to the Curator or Vice President. Responsibilities include overseeing the daily husbandry, training, enrichment, and record keeping for a diverse collection of birds. This position supervises five full time and some seasonal Animal Care Professionals, which includes hiring, training, scheduling, coordinating maintenance work. It also requires regularly working husbandry routines, assisting with veterinary procedures, and coordinating animal shipments. The ZM works closely with other departments including maintenance, education, events, and veterinary team to ensure the wellness of the animals and support the goals of the zoo.

This position provides opportunities for growth and increased responsibilities, including possible opportunities to participate in collection planning, design of new habitats, AZA programs, and field conservation. The ideal candidate will have a strong focus on bird husbandry, guest experience and team leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts day to day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members in assigned areas.
Develops skills in staff through various formal and informal training programs.
Develops and coordinates employee, maintenance and animal care related scheduling within assigned area.
Works with Curator on hiring and disciplinary actions with a focus on developmental objectives.
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 Curator and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
Develops a good line of communication with assigned staff 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. Trains staff on the importance of documenting appropriately on the Training Goal worksheets.
Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and with Curator, develops departmental program, including researching and developing new enrichment options and development of enrichment schedules. Documents results of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
Trains and encourages staff in utilizing the environmental enrichment program and the enrichment requirements of the animals within their department. Trains staff on the importance of documenting appropriately on the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
Creates new enrichment ideas and items to be added to department repertoire.
Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department. Trains and monitors staff on properly utilizing the animal record keeping systems.
Documents animal behaviors or issues on the Daily Report. Trains and monitors staff on appropriately documenting on the Daily Report.
Maintains and updates animal files. Trains and monitors staff on appropriately maintaining and updating 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. Monitors and evaluates staffs techniques of capturing, crating and transferring of animals.
Encourages staff to 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.
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.
Prepares for animal immobilizations. Assigns staff tasks in preparation of immobilizations.
Evaluates animal’s dietary needs. Consults with the 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.
Guides exhibit creation, designs or changes in their area.
Champions conservation efforts by BZI. Encourages staff to participate in conservation efforts.
Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Familiarizes themselves with the BZI employee handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Animal Department as well as the SOP’s assigned animal area.
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. Is encouraged to publish or present papers in their specialty area.
Sets a positive example for their staff and other Zoo Managers.
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.

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

College degree in related wildlife science preferred.
Five years of bird husbandry experience in an AZA facility or equivalent relevant experience
Progressive approach to animal care and wellness
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to demonstrate and foster teamwork within and across teams.
Competency in computer skills such as Microsoft Office and animal record keeping software
Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer.
Must be First aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Familiarizes themselves with the BZI employee handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Animal Department as well as the SOP’s assigned animal area.
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. Is encouraged to publish or present papers in their specialty area.
Sets a positive example for their staff and other Zoo Managers.
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.

Compensation and benefits

Excellent benefits
Opportunity for PiCA (Passion into Conservation Action) grant

Application instructions

Apply on BZI website: www.birminghamzoo.com, About Us, Employment.