Birds, Assistant Animal Care Specialist

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable zoo is seeking an Assistant Animal Care Specialist to enhance avian care. The role requires dedication to animal welfare and teamwork, facilitating guest engagement and education while monitoring animal behavior and health. This full-time position demands flexibility with shifts and offers an opportunity for professional growth in the domain of animal conservation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological field required.
• Animal care experience required.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English at a professional level.

Responsibilities

• Provide general care for animals under supervision.
• Prepare and distribute food as directed.
• Monitor and clean assigned areas and enclosures.

Skills

Animal behavior understanding

Interpersonal skills

Good decision-making

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field

High school graduate or GED equivalent

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Birds, Assistant Animal Care Specialist

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.

Experience Required

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.

Further Comments

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.o Responsibility for Society Property: Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.o 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.o Contacts: Primary contacts include BZC staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.o 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.

$27.17 per hour

How to Apply

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.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: [phone]