Birds - Assistant Animal Care Specialist

Brookfieldzoo; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization in avian conservation as an Assistant Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo. This full-time role involves caring for diverse bird species, ensuring their health, and engaging zoo visitors in appreciation of wildlife. Ideal candidates will have a degree in biology and relevant animal care experience, ready to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while gaining leadership skills.

Benefits

Medical insurance coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Employee discounts at gift shop and restaurants

Free admission to cultural institutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent experience required.
• Experience in animal care facilities or equivalent animal experience necessary.
• Ability to work with live animals safely.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute food for animals as directed.
• Observe animals closely; report on health and welfare.
• Clean animal enclosures and ensure safety of guests.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making skills

Animal behavior understanding

Ability to work with live animals

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field

High school graduate or GED

Job description

Birds - Assistant Animal Care Specialist

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

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Join the PRIDE!

At the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, we are firmly dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of avian populations. Our innovative conservation and research initiatives significantly enhance avian care. Our objectives extend beyond basic avian care; we strive to cultivate a deep appreciation for bird species while implementing meaningful change for birds in managed environments and their natural habitats.

We are committed to establishing ourselves as a recognized industry leader and advancing the future of avian care. Our emphasis on mentorship and staff development is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in the zoological community, thereby ensuring the continuous progress of our vision, mission, and goals.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

Primary job duties and responsibilities :

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

• *Prepare and distribute food as directed.
• *Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep accurate animal records as assigned.
• *Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs.
• *Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
• *Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas.
• *Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• *Perform routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
• *Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
• *Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• *Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Position requirements and specifications:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
• Good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to deal with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Ability to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound independent judgments.
• Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Must be reliable.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

Desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information: This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Assistant Animal Care Specialist is a one-year probationary position to attain Animal Care Specialist status. Animal Care Specialist positions are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialist positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary.

Assistant Animal Care Specialists are expected to acquire general knowledge about BZC, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, and become familiar with and follow BZC policies and procedures. Incumbent is expected to develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures.

• Responsibility for Society Property : Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.
• Responsibility for Safety of Others: Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these as appropriate.
• Contacts: Primary contacts include BZC staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.
• Other Qualifications and Characteristics: Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must possess ability to adjust quickly to changes and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers . Please look for requisition number 196.

Benefits Summary

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.

Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

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.

Time away from work: Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire. Unused vacation time does not carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Vacation: Vacation is earned based on the following schedule:

Years of Service

New hire-5 years

5+ years

10+ years

15+ years

Vacation

Personal Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Advance scheduling is required when foreseeable. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Any employee with 20 years of service or more receives one additional personal day each year.

Sick Time: Sick time accrues at a rate equivalent to 10 sick days per year. Any employee who does not usesick time during the calendar year is credited with two (2) additional sick days that year. Accumulation of sick time is unlimited.

Holidays: Union employees are eligible for 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Jr Day

President’s Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Medical Insurance: BZC pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee’s date of separation. Employees can also cover their spouse and child(ren) under age 27.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term disability benefits are provided through the Teamsters union, for up to 26 weeks, if you are unable to work. Long-Term disability benefits are provided through Brookfield Zoo Chicago for up to 60% of the employee’s monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Voluntary Benefits:

- Group Critical Illness Insurance

- Identity Theft Protection

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master’s degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children’s Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from “Working Advantage,” an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC’s policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a “Freebie” table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a “Little Free Library” book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Emp loyer.

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