Zoo Ambassador Jobs (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 Landscape Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Zoo's landscaping program, including supervising staff, coordinating landscape maintenance and improvement projects, and ensuring the grounds are safe, attractive, and well maintained. This role contributes to an engaging guest experience through responsible stewardship of the Zoo's outdoor environment and effective management of landscaping operations.

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

• Supervises and works alongside landscape staff, coordinating daily work assignments, providing training, guidance, and performance support, and fostering a collaborative, safe, and inclusive work environment.
• Performs and oversees landscape maintenance, installation, and improvement projects; operates and maintains landscaping equipment; and applies expertise in turf, ornamental plant care, and grounds management to maintain safe, attractive, and functional Zoo grounds.
• Collaborates with the Maintenance Manager to plan, prioritize, and implement short- and long-term landscape projects; monitors work quality and progress; and communicates operational needs and project updates.
• Conducts routine inspections of Zoo grounds, identifies and resolves landscape, equipment, and plant health concerns, and partners with Animal Health and other departments to ensure landscaping practices support animal safety, guest experience, and organizational standards.
• 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.
• 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

• High school diploma or GED is required. An associate's or bachelor's degree in horticulture, turf management, landscape management, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Two to five years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field is required, including experience coordinating daily work activities. Experience leading or supervising staff is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Qualities

• Demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining safe, attractive, and well-maintained Zoo grounds.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats, fosters collaboration and an inclusive team environment, and provides guidance and support to staff in daily landscape operations.
• Maintains proficiency in landscape equipment operation and preventative maintenance; demonstrates knowledge of plant, turf, and landscape management practices; and applies attention to detail and initiative to support safe, sustainable, and high-quality grounds maintenance.

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.