Zoological Association of America

Assistant Animal Manager – Predators

Location: Tigers For Tomorrow – Untamed Mountain, Attalla, Alabama

Compensation & Total Rewards

Salary Range: $36,000 – $40,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, 3 years experience needed

This is a full-time, exempt position

Total Rewards Package Includes:

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Potential overtime earnings during peak operational periods

Relocation reimbursement of up to $1,500 after one year of continuous full-time employment

Continuing education and professional development opportunities

Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization

Potential access to on-site or nearby housing support (subject to availability)

Employee discounts and access to facility programs

A meaningful leadership role in advancing animal welfare initiatives at one of Alabama’s leading wildlife preserves.

Position

Tigers For Tomorrow is seeking a passionate and experienced Assistant Animal Manager – Predators to join our leadership team. This role is designed for an animal care professional with at least three years of experience working with dangerous carnivores who is ready to step into a position of greater influence, responsibility, and impact.

As Assistant Animal Manager, you will partner closely with the Director of Animal Care and the Executive Director  to guide the daily operations of our predator department while helping shape the future of animal care at Untamed Mountain. This is more than a husbandry role—it is an opportunity to contribute to the development of progressive animal wellness programs, elevate enrichment standards, mentor emerging professionals, and ensure exceptional care for a diverse collection of large carnivores.

Your work will directly influence the quality of life for the animals in our care and help strengthen our mission of connecting people to wildlife through meaningful, ethical, and inspiring experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of three (3) years of paid professional experience working directly with dangerous carnivores or other large exotic wildlife in a licensed zoo, wildlife preserve, sanctuary, or similar facility.

Demonstrated experience working safely under protected-contact protocols.

Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, operant conditioning, and behavioral observation.

Proven leadership potential with strong communication and organizational skills.

Ability to work weekends, holidays, and in all weather conditions.

Ability to lift 50 pounds or more and perform physically demanding work.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Must successfully pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in USDA-regulated facilities.

ZAA or AZA experience.

Previous experience supervising or mentoring animal care staff.

Veterinary treatment and medication administration experience.

Experience contributing to or implementing formal animal welfare assessment programs.

Primary Responsibilities

Support the Animal Manager in overseeing daily operations of the predator department.

Deliver exceptional husbandry for tigers, lions, wolves, bears, hyenas, and other carnivores.

Prepare and distribute diets in accordance with established nutritional plans.

Maintain clean, safe, and secure habitats while adhering to strict biosecurity protocols.

Observe and assess animal health and behavior, communicating concerns promptly.

Assist with veterinary procedures and ongoing medical care.

Play a key role in developing, implementing, and evaluating Tigers For Tomorrow’s enrichment program, ensuring enrichment promotes natural behaviors and enhances overall welfare.

Contribute to the implementation and ongoing success of the organization’s Animal Wellness Program, including behavioral monitoring, welfare assessments, enrichment tracking, and quality-of-life evaluations.

Maintain accurate and detailed records of diets, enrichment, behavior, medications, and welfare observations.

Assist with habitat improvements and exhibit maintenance projects.

Mentor and support animal care staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.

Participate in emergency animal response procedures.

Represent Tigers For Tomorrow professionally during educational programs, tours, and special events.

Ensure compliance with USDA regulations, state wildlife regulations, and organizational safety standards.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work outdoors for extended periods.

Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.

Comfortable working in extreme weather conditions.

Ability to safely operate utility vehicles and animal care equipment.

Relocation Assistance

Qualified candidates relocating for this position may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses.

Tigers For Tomorrow will reimburse up to $1,500 in eligible relocation expenses after the successful completion of one (1) year of continuous full-time employment. Employees who voluntarily resign or are terminated before completing one year of employment will not be eligible for relocation reimbursement.

Our Mission

Tigers For Tomorrow is dedicated to creating a bridge between humans and nature through exceptional animal wellness and environmental education. Every member of our team contributes to a larger purpose—providing outstanding care while inspiring future generations to become conservation advocates.

Application Instructions

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to untamedmountain@gmail.com, attention Susan Steffens, Executive Director.

Only applicants with a minimum of three years of professional experience working directly with dangerous exotic animals or large carnivores will be considered.

Send a resume to Untamedmountain@gmail.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tigers For Tomorrow is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.