Facility

Birmingham Zoo, Inc.

Closing Date

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Zoological Manager (ZM) of Children’s Zoo is the primary person responsible for Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds animals, habitats, and staffing. Additionally, this person is the point person for planning, coordinating, and directing personnel with the department to ensure that the collection and facilities are maintained in a safe and healthy manner. Collectively with other zoo employees these activities will assist in presenting to the public an environment that is education, entertaining, and serves to further the mission of the Birmingham Zoo.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts day to day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members in assigned areas.
Responsible for animal husbandry, enrichment and welfare of animals in assigned area.
Ensures that animal records and employee files are up to date and maintained in accordance with zoo policy, state and federal regulations and national animal record keeping standards.
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.
Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports with Curators input.
Displays knowledge of the basic biology, behavior, 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, Curator, and VP of Living Collections to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported in a timely manner.
Uses positive reinforcement training techniques with the animals in their department.
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 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.
Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. Encourages staff to engage Zoo visitors with prepared Animal Talks.
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.
Insures compliance with all BZI policies and Procedures.
Upholds the standards of AZA and USDA at all times.
Other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATIONS

College degree in an animal studies program
At least 5 years’ relevant experience in a zoological institution.
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 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

Competitive pay and excellent benefits package, including eligibility for PiCA program (Passion into Conservation Action).

Application instructions

Please apply on our website: www.birminghamzoo.com, About Us, Employment.