SUMMARY

The Conservation Assistant will assist the Conservation Manager in maintaining and improving the pollinator gardens that are part of the Zoo’s BEE a Pollinator Hero program.  Under the direction of the Conservation Manager, will perform functions to maintain daily and weekly pollinator garden standards around the Birmingham Zoo property to maintain a healthy, viable habitat that sustain naturally occurring native pollinators as well as the Zoo’s honeybee colony.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs daily routine pollinator garden work such as, watering, planting, transplanting, weeding, mulching, pruning and other activities necessary to maintain and improve health of pollinator habitat on Zoo grounds under direction of the Conservation Manager.
• Keeps walkways and paths clear of debris resulting from garden maintenance within their assigned area.
• Performs inspections of pollinator gardens on a regular basis, and reports any issues with disease, pests or general appearance issues to Conservation Manager.
• Uses hand tools, such as shovels, pruners, handsaws, to complete some tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Becomes familiar with and follows the BZI staff handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Department as well as the SOP’s for their assigned team.
• Sets a positive example for their fellow staff. Acts as a reliable, friendly, and helpful team member and representative of BZI all times to co-workers, visitors and guests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct reports

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Conservation Assistant is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.

Specific training and procedures designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection will be provided. 

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory. 

All employees of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department, Safety Manager, or Manager on Duty (MOD.) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls. 
• Frequently required to stand on feet for extended period; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 
• Requires some movement across for long distances carrying or transporting equipment across uneven surfaces.
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come fro