Director Animal Behavior 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 is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal health and wellbeing, including monitoring behavior, maintaining habitats, preparing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining accurate records, and engaging with guests through informal and formal interactions. This role contributes to safe, consistent, and high-quality animal care operations across the assigned department. The team provides care for Black-Handed spider monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, Sumatran orangutan, Cotton-top tamarin, Black howler monkey, Lar gibbon, 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 daily animal husbandry and supports animal health and wellbeing, including maintaining habitats, preparing diets, monitoring behavior, providing enrichment and training, and adapting care practices based on environmental and operational needs.
• Observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and wellbeing concerns; maintains accurate records; and supports safe animal handling, restraint, and transport using approved techniques.
• Collaborates with team members, including assisting training new staff and volunteers, and supports a respectful, safe, and welcoming work environment while engaging with guests and contributing to consistent, safe, and high-quality animal care practices in alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• 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 employee’s primary responsibilities and organizational needs, provided such duties are within the employee’s 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.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and adherence to organizational policies, safety procedures, and training requirements, serving as a model for staff.

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.
• Experience in animal care is preferred, which may include volunteer, internship, or paid roles in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.

Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities

• Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats, collaborates effectively with others, and participates in guest engagement opportunities, including presentations.
• Maintains attention to detail and proficiency with standard computer systems and demonstrates initiative 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.