African Conservation Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Birmingham Zoo Inc. (BZI) is a nonprofit, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited Zoo and regional tourist attraction serving the greater Birmingham community and beyond. We advance wildlife conservation through responsible animal care, education, and local and global conservation efforts in support of our mission, Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Care Professional, Lead is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal care and welfare, including maintaining high standards of care, serving as a resource for staff, and providing operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager. This role contributes to consistent animal care practices and effective day-to-day operations within the department. The team provides care for Black Rhinoceros, Reticulated giraffe, Plains Zebra, Eastern Bongo, Ostrich, Red Flanked Duiker and others. 

All employees serve as ambassadors of the Zoo and are expected to act in a professional manner consistent with the Zoo’s mission and its core values of Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion. This expectation applies when interacting with the public or when reasonably perceived as representing the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs and models advanced animal husbandry, wellbeing, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance practices, ensuring consistency with established protocols and high standards of care.
• Observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and welfare concerns; maintains accurate animal records; and supports safe animal handling, restraint, transport, and operational procedures.
• Provides functional leadership by training, guiding, and supporting staff; serves as a resource and point of contact to promote consistent, safe, and effective animal care practices.
• Supports departmental operations and planning, including exhibit improvements, guest engagement, and cross-functional coordination, and provides operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager, as assigned.
• Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and applicable departmental guidelines.
• This job description reflects the general nature of the work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. This position may be assigned additional duties reasonably related to the employees’ primary responsibilities and organizational needs, provided such duties are within the employees’ training, experience, and safety requirements and do not materially change the nature of the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

For purposes of this job description, “staff” may include employees, volunteers, interns, and other assigned personnel.

• No direct supervisory responsibility for staff.
• Provides functional leadership through training, guidance, and reinforcement of established protocols to support consistency in daily operations.
• Serves as a resource and point of contact for staff, supporting adherence to operational, safety, and organizational standards.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

• This position involves exposure to hazards common to outdoor and operational Zoo environments, including weather conditions, equipment, and other environmental factors.
• Specific training and procedures will be provided to maintain safety of people as the highest priority, followed by the safety of the animal collection.
• Use and understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required based on assigned tasks and work conditions.
• Employees are required to follow all Zoo safety policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Emergency Procedure Manual and to promptly report injuries, incidents, or safety concerns through established reporting channels.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move for extended periods in outdoor and operational environments.
• Ability to use hands, fingers, and tools or equipment required for assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including exchanging information with others.
• Ability to routinely move, lift, or carry items up to 50 pounds or more, depending on assigned duties.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, humidity, temperature changes, and wet or uneven surfaces.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Birmingham Zoo Inc. recognizes that skills and knowledge may be gained through a combination of education, paid employment, volunteer service, and other relevant experiences. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Advanced experience in animal care is required, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.

Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities

• Demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and support operational needs.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats and collaborates effectively across teams to support a positive, safe, and welcoming work environment.
• Provides guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to staff, interns, and volunteers to promote consistency, teamwork, and accountability in daily operations.
• Maintains strong attention to detail and proficiency with required computer systems and animal recordkeeping tools.
• Demonstrates knowledge of animal husbandry practices (including species-specific care as applicable), a commitment to excellent guest service, and an interest in supporting conservation-focused work.

Other Requirements

• Employees working in or around animal areas may be required to meet health and safety requirements based on job duties and risk exposure, in accordance with applicable law. These requirements may include TB testing, rabies vaccination or titer verification, and documentation of other vaccinations. In situations where required documentation is not provided or current, employees may be required to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 respirator or similar protection, as determined by workplace safety protocols.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or be willing to complete training and certification as a condition of the role.
• May be required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles (including golf carts), powered equipment, and/or ride or attraction systems. In such cases, must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Zoo policy. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.
• May be required to travel on occasion.

HOURS OF WORK

• Work schedules are based on operational needs and may include any combination of weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.
• Employees may be required to work during emergency situations or unusual operational circumstances.

ORGAZATIONAL COMMITMENT

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming workplace and encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Birmingham Zoo Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Final candidates may be subject to background screening and drug testing, in accordance with applicable law.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position and does not constitute an employment contract. The Zoo reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and requirements at any time based on operational needs.

Employment with Birmingham Zoo Inc. is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.