Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Birmingham Zoo
Job overview
The Animal Care Professional at Birmingham Zoo is responsible for providing high-quality care to primates and South American animals, ensuring their health and enrichment while engaging with the public.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness, providing enrichment, preparing diets, modifying habitats, keeping accurate records, and presenting information to visitors, while adhering to safety protocols and working as part of a team.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a pay rate of $16.25 per hour and is full-time with varied schedules including weekends, holidays, and evenings; specific benefits beyond pay are not detailed.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have a high school diploma or some college, preferably a bachelor's in an animal-related field, prior zoological experience or internship, strong communication and teamwork skills, computer competency, a valid driver's license, and first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain it.
Work environment and culture
Birmingham Zoo promotes a welcoming, inclusive environment valuing passion, excellence, teamwork, stewardship, and inclusion, encouraging diverse perspectives and providing reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
Company information
Birmingham Zoo is a not-for-profit organization committed to animal care and public education, operating with core values that emphasize respect and collaboration.
Team overview
The candidate will work under the Zoological Manager in the Primate/South America Department as part of a team, with no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Job location and travel
The job is located at Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, AL, requiring physical work near dangerous animals and exposure to various weather conditions; full-time hours include weekends and holidays.
Application process
Applications are accepted until the position is filled; selected candidates will undergo a background check and drug test before employment begins.
Unique job features
The role requires working closely with a diverse collection of animals, implementing enrichment programs, and presenting to the public, with mandatory safety training and use of personal protective equipment.
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 showcase your understanding of primate biology, behavior, and husbandry, emphasizing hands-on animal care and safety protocols as outlined in the job description.
Highlight your experience or internships at zoological institutions, your ability to maintain cleanliness, prepare diets, and provide environmental enrichment, along with strong communication skills for public presentations.
Apply through multiple channels including Birmingham Zoo's official careers page, LinkedIn, and other job boards where the position is listed to maximize your chances of being noticed.
Connect with current Animal Care Professionals or the Zoological Manager at Birmingham Zoo on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing your shared passion for wildlife conservation or asking about the team culture and enrichment programs.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords like 'animal care,' 'primate husbandry,' 'environmental enrichment,' 'safety protocols,' and 'public presentations' to ensure it passes initial screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and facilitate networking with zoo staff, allowing you to focus your energy on interview preparation and skill development.
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