Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Birmingham Zoo
Job overview
The Animal Care Professional at Birmingham Zoo's Trails of Africa provides daily care and enrichment for various exotic animals, ensuring their health and safety while engaging with the public.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness, providing enrichment, preparing diets, modifying habitats, record keeping, animal handling, and public presentations to support the zoo's conservation and educational goals.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a pay rate of $16.25 per hour and includes health and safety protocols, with additional benefits not explicitly stated.
Experience and skills
Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Biology or Zoology, animal care experience, strong communication, organizational skills, and willingness to engage in public speaking and training; First Aid/CPR certification and valid driver's license are required or must be obtained.
Work environment and culture
Birmingham Zoo promotes a welcoming, inclusive environment valuing passion, excellence, teamwork, stewardship, and inclusion, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaboration.
Company information
Birmingham Zoo is a not-for-profit organization committed to conservation, education, and community engagement, operating Trails of Africa with a focus on exotic animal care.
Team overview
The candidate will join the Trails of Africa team responsible for care of multiple exotic species, working closely with managers, veterinary staff, and volunteers in a team-oriented setting.
Job location and travel
The job is located at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, AL, requiring full-time hours including weekends, holidays, and occasional late events, with local travel expected.
Application process
Applications are accepted until the position is filled; selected candidates undergo background checks and drug tests before employment begins.
Unique job features
The role involves working closely with dangerous exotic animals, requiring strict safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment, distinguishing it from typical animal care positions.
Company overview
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a prominent zoological park located in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to inspiring passion for the natural world through conservation, education, and community engagement. The zoo generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, educational programs, special events, and donations. Established in 1955, it has grown significantly, now housing over 550 animals from around the globe and participating in numerous conservation efforts and breeding programs for endangered species.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight experience with animal care, especially with large or exotic species like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, emphasizing skills in monitoring health, habitat maintenance, and behavioral enrichment.
Focus on showcasing your ability to work safely around dangerous animals, communicate effectively with teams and the public, and manage detailed record-keeping and presentations as described in the job duties.
Apply through multiple platforms including the Birmingham Zoo's official careers page, LinkedIn job postings, and other reputable job boards to maximize your application reach.
Connect on LinkedIn with current Animal Care Professionals or Zoo staff in the Trails of Africa division; start conversations by commenting on their recent animal care projects or asking about their favorite enrichment activities for the animals.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'animal husbandry,' 'behavioral enrichment,' 'animal health monitoring,' 'public presentations,' 'record keeping,' and 'safety protocols' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
Consider using Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application channels, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and networking.
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