Carnivores/Small Mammals - Lead Animal Care Specialist

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Full-time • Brookfield, Illinois, United States • USD $36.60k - USD $49.80k / year • 2w ago

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!

Come work in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Carnivore/Small Mammal department where our department includes the Desert with Meerkats, Cape Porcupine, Pallas’s cat, Bat-eared Fox, Genet, Sand Cat, and mole-rats; and our forest area including Prevost’s squirrels, Binturongs, Ring-tailed lemurs, Clouded Leopards; and an Australian area including Echidna, Kangaroos, Brush-tailed bettong, Emu, Cape Barren geese, Rodrigues Fruit bats Wallabies and Wombat.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing experienced care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area, under the direction of area managers or supervisors. Perform a wide variety of departmental supervisory activities, including supervising and instructing Animal Care Specialists (“ACS”) in assigned area and to support innovations in Conservation Leadership and Animal Welfare. Relieve other Lead ACSs as directed. Perform all routine duties independently and new duties with minimal direction.

This is a full-time union position, with a starting pay rate of $36.25 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the full-time union employees’ section. You may also copy and paste this link in your browser for ease of viewing: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf

Primary job duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. * Perform in a proactive leadership role and communicate regularly with area supervisors/ managers regarding animal management, facility maintenance, and staff supervision and development.
2. * Assist in departmental hiring, scheduling, and work assignments, and the development of departmental goals and plans. Establish work priorities for the department.
3. * Routinely monitor and review the work performance of ACS staff in assigned area and ensure completion of tasks in a timely and effective fashion.
4. * Prepare and conduct performance appraisals as assigned.
5. * Responsible for current animal and equipment inventory. Verify employee work schedules. Provide written reports as assigned.
6. * Handle personnel situations in a timely, objective, and consistent manner and in accordance with BZC policies and the union contract.
7. * Order, prepare, and distribute food to animal areas as required.
8. * Ensure compliance with all BZC policies and procedures.
9. * Observe assigned animals closely and objectively. Apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement change where appropriate. Maintain and utilize animal records.
10. * Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as required. Report maintenance needs as appropriate and perform minor maintenance tasks.
11. * Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
12. * Maintain detailed and current knowledge of natural history, husbandry, and captive management of species and individuals in assigned areas.
13. * Maintain proficiency in area routines and specialized procedures.
14. * Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
15. * Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
16. * Serve in a leadership role in directing the management and operations within assigned area and ensure short-term goals are developed and achieved. Solicit input on improving operations and animal management procedures.
17. * Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
18. * Train and direct work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time ACS staff as assigned.
19. Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Job Function(s)

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED).
Minimum four years of experience as an animal care specialist or equivalent required. Track record of exemplary performance as a supervisory keeper or equivalent, relevant experience.
Strong supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace.
Detailed and current knowledge of natural history and principles of animal behavior and husbandry required. Ability to work with live animals safely.
Additional qualifications and experience may be required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the incumbent will be working. For Marine Mammals and Aquatics Lead ACS positions, SCUBA Certification is required.
Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to maintain good working relationships both internally and externally.
Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs.
Proven ability to train and direct the work of others.
Demonstrated capacity to guide the professional development of others.
Ability to effectively mediate routine personnel issues and conflicts between staff.
Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Ability to adjust quickly to changes.
Proficient in learning and integrating information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
Good decision-making skills and ability to make sound, independent judgments. Ability to integrate and apply knowledge and prior experience to affect or implement changes.
Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
Good problem-solving skills. Ability to identify problems and utilize appropriate information to develop solutions. Track record of demonstrating initiative in analyzing and solving problems and recommending ideas and viable suggestions that are well thought out and researched.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Good time management skills. Must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and responsibility in use of time.
Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to personnel and other privileged matters.
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.
Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language 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.
Additional qualifications and experience preferred based upon the specific animals and work area where the ACS will be working. Generally, previous work experience with assigned taxa is preferred.
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 the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.

Responsibility for BZC 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 act to remedy or report these as appropriate.
Contacts: Primary contacts include staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.
Other Expectations and Characteristics: Incumbent 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 understand or quickly acquire understanding of how the department interfaces with BZC-wide operations. Must be able to learn BZC conservation programs as they apply to assigned area(s). Must perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed and have a proven track record of consistently and accurately performing job duties. Incumbent is expected to continue to develop supervisory skills and grow professionally within the animal care profession. Must set a professional example for animal care staff.

Animal Care Specialists 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. 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. Incumbent must possess or acquire knowledge of BZC, its mission and vision, policies and procedures, and incorporate into daily job responsibilities. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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 237.

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

2 weeks (80 hours)
3 weeks (120 hours)
4 weeks (160 hours)
5 weeks (200 hours)

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 use sick 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
Juneteenth
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 Accident Insurance
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.
Blackhawk Work Perks
Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.
Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness
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.
Enterprise-Rent-A-Car
Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.
Free Flu Vaccines
Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.
Free Admission and Parking
The laminated pass entitles the employee to free parking and admission to the Zoo and paid attractions. The card also extends the same privileges to the employee’s immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, children, and parents).
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.
Freebie Table
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 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.

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