Herps - Animal Care Specialist

Brookfieldzoo; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals to join their team as Animal Care Specialists. This role is integral to the mission of connecting people with wildlife and inspiring conservation efforts. You will be responsible for the care of animals, maintaining enclosures, and ensuring the safety of both guests and animals. Ideal candidates will have a background in biological sciences and a genuine interest in animal welfare. This full-time position offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to a transformative journey at one of the most beloved zoos in the country. If you're ready to make a difference and engage with wildlife, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or equivalent experience required.
• Understanding of animal behavior and ability to work safely with live animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide general care for animals and maintain facilities.
• Observe animal behavior and report health and welfare to supervisors.
• Train and direct interns and volunteers as assigned.

Skills

Animal Behavior Understanding

Interpersonal Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Cultural Competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant biological field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word)

ZIMS or similar

Job description

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Req #90

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!

The Animal Care Specialist contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under the direction of area supervisors, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in the assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct visitors as necessary. Perform routine duties with minimal supervision and new duties with detailed direction.

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.
• Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep 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 as assigned.
• Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.
• Monitor guests to ensure 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.
• Train and direct interns, seasonals, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Position requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) required.
• Successful completion of Assistant Animal Care Specialist (“ACS”) probationary period or equivalent combination of training and/or experience in a zoo or aquarium required.
• Must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, and general animal behavior and husbandry required.
• Solid interpersonal skills required.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Ability to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly, and complete tasks as needed.
• 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.
• Ability to accurately and proficiently perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a record of consistency and accuracy in performing job duties.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems, recommending ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to train, educate, and direct the basic work of seasonal employees and interns.
• Must be reliable.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word), Microsoft 365, ZIMS or similar required.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a professional working proficiency.
• 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:

• Additional qualifications and experience may be required depending upon the specific animals and work area this position will be working.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information:

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty one may ever be called upon to perform.

Responsibility for Society Property: Responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.

Responsibility for Safety of Others: Responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and act to remedy or report these as appropriate.

Contacts: Primary contacts include staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.

Other Expectations and Characteristics: Must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and communicate effectively and promptly with co-workers, managers, and guests following appropriate communication channels. Must possess the ability to adjust quickly to changes. Expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of BCZ’s mission, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures. Must understand or acquire an understanding of how the department interfaces with BZC-wide operations. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

Animal Care Specialists (“ACS”) are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. ACS positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. 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. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings, and/or evenings.