Associate Director, Carnivore/Small Mammal Care & Conservation

Brookfieldzoo; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent zoo organization in Chicago seeks an Associate Director of Carnivore/Small Mammal Care & Conservation. This leader will guide animal care specialists, oversee conservation programs, and contribute to long-term planning. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, extensive zoo management experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and the chance to shape a thriving institution.

Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Free admission to the zoo

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of captive management experience in a zoo.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop assigned animal care specialists.
• Manage conservation programs related to taxon specialty.
• Participate in the development and management of animal care programs.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communications skills

Cultural competency

Proficiency in MS Office

Experience with diverse audiences

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field

Eight years’ equivalent experience

Tools

Animal record keeping systems

SCUBA certification

Job description

Associate Director, Carnivore/Small Mammal Care & Conservation

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Overview

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Animal Care and Programs unit is searching for an Associate Director of Carnivore/Small Mammal Care and Conservation. With the newly completed institutional master plan, the organization will undertake large projects over the next decade. The Carnivore/Small Mammal Department will be involved in initial projects, and the Associate Director will help lead that effort, guide a team of Animal Care Specialists, and participate in the development and management of carnivore and small mammal conservation programs. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing institution.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) by leading the overall direction and operations of the assigned department/taxon specialty in accordance with BZC’s long-range plans for animal welfare and conservation.

Primary job duties and responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Responsible for maintaining the highest quality of daily husbandry and welfare of the assigned animal collection, collection planning, and the supervision and development of the assigned animal care specialists.
• Responsible for the creation and management of the departmental budget.
• Responsible for the management of assigned facilities.
• Develop and manage conservation programs related to the taxon specialty.
• As part of the Animal Care and Programs management team, participate in the development and implementation of ACP programs, guidelines and procedures, and participate in facilities design, donor cultivation, and research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to assure achievement of annual goals and objectives.

Position requirements and specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) required.
• Minimum 5 years of captive management experience in a zoo or large-scale animal care facility or equivalent experience required within the taxon specialty.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience required (not limited to but including front-line department operations).
• Positions managing aquatic taxa may require SCUBA certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (word processing and database management) essential.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

Desirable/preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with animal record keeping systems, studbook programs preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information

• Familiarity with animal record keeping systems, studbook programs preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Portal www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition 202 to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile.

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits.

Non-Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week. Coverage begins on the date of hire. You may cover your spouse, civil union partner, and/or eligible children under age 26.

Time away from work: Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum. The following reflects representative accruals by years of service and grade levels.

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and one additional holiday).

Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from two medical plans (Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO). A waiver credit is available for waiving enrollment. Coverage begins on the hire date.

Prescription Drugs, Dental Insurance & Vision Care: Details provided in enrollment materials; pre-tax FSAs available; voluntary benefits include Supplemental Term Life, Group Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection.

Mental Health: Perspectives EAP provides 24/7 confidential care and resources for work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: 401(k) with matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% contributed after one year of service.

Other Benefits: Pre-tax FSAs, voluntary benefits, Advanced Inquiry Program, BZC University, Access Credit Union, discounts and perks, and open work schedule expectations (some roles may require non-traditional hours).

Other notable perks: Free admission and parking for eligible employees and certain guests, reciprocal admission with other cultural institutions, on-site flu vaccinations, and various employee discounts. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days a year.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by AA, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America