Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
2 rare critters rescued in Jefferson County—meet Norman and Parrot
Reading time: 3 minutes
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When you think of a day on the job at a water reclamation facility, you might picture hard hats, heavy machinery and…well, let’s just say it’s not exactly glamorous.
But at Jefferson County’s water reclamation facilities, the work sometimes includes something a little more unexpected: wildlife rescue.
From a red-shouldered hawk nicknamed “Parrot” to a rare tiger salamander named “Norman,” two recent stories prove that these facilities aren’t just about treating water—they’re about protecting the environment in every sense of the word.
Meet Parrot, the red-shouldered hawk
At the Trussville Water Reclamation Facility, Superintendent Jonathan Gardner was giving a routine tour when he spotted something unusual in one of the oxidation ditches. At first, the red-shouldered hawk floating there appeared to be dead—then it moved.
With quick thinking (and impressively long arms), Gardner was able to safely retrieve the bird. The team affectionately nicknamed him “Parrot,” gave him a much-needed bath and transported him to the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park.
There, staff members gave Parrot two more baths and kept him under observation to make sure he was healthy enough to return to the wild. Just before Christmas, the good news came in: Parrot was ready for release.
Check out this video of Parrot:
Norman the (very rare) tiger salamander
Then there’s Norman…
After a high-flow rain event, Leeds Water Reclamation Facility manager CJ Knight noticed what he thought might be a baby alligator in the influent headworks. It wasn’t an alligator—but it was big. Nearly a foot long, in fact.
Knight had discovered a tiger salamander, a species rarely found this far north in Alabama. He contacted the Cahaba River Society, which connected him with the Friends of Shades Creek. Soon, local environmental advocates arrived to safely transport the salamander—dubbed “Norman,” a nod to the facility’s original name, the Norman R. Skinner Wastewater Facility.
Norman’s story doesn’t end there. He was evaluated by an Auburn University professor with expertise in amphibians and now lives in South Alabama.
More than a “dirty job”
It’s easy to assume that working at a water reclamation facility is all grit and grime. And sure, there are tough days but the work is deeply tied to environmental stewardship. Facilities like these protect local waterways, safeguard ecosystems and—every once in a while—save a hawk or a salamander along the way.
Both Gardner and Knight have degrees in environmental science and say they love the unexpected wildlife encounters that come with the job.
If you’re passionate about the environment (and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves), Jefferson County is currently hiring Water Reclamation Facility Operators.
You never know. Your next workday might just include a wildlife rescue story of your own.
To stay up to date on Jefferson County projects and more, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram + LinkedIn.
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