Carnivores/Small Mammals - Senior Animal Care Specialist

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago under direction of area managers or supervisors by providing experienced care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary. Perform routine duties independently and new duties with direction.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.

• Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement change where appropriate. Maintain and utilize records.

• 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.

• Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.

• Maintain detailed and current knowledge of natural history, husbandry, and captive management of species and individuals in assigned areas.

• Maintain proficiency in area routines and specialized procedures. Develop proficiency in newly assigned procedures.

• Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of Society property.

• Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.

• Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.

• Train and direct work of interns, seasonal staff, volunteers, and full-time Animal Care Specialist staff as assigned.

• Assume leadership role as assigned or appropriate.

• Other related duties as assigned.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• 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 three years animal care specialist experience or equivalent. Must possess a track record of better-than-satisfactory performance as an animal care specialist or equivalent experience.

• Ability to work with live animals safely.

• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to maintain good working relationships and the ability to follow appropriate communication channels.

• Basic knowledge of the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs. Detailed and current knowledge of natural history and principles of animal behavior and husbandry required.

• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.

• Ability to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.

• Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and able to make sound independent judgments and apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement change.

• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.

• Incumbent must possess or acquire general knowledge of Brookfield Zoo Chicago, its mission, policies and procedures, and incorporate them into daily work responsibilities.

• Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to develop proficiency in performing assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Consistently and accurately perform job duties.

• Proven record demonstrating initiative in identifying and solving problems using appropriate resources to recommend viable suggestions to improve operations.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Ability to train and direct the work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time Animal Care Specialist staff.

• Must have good time management skills, flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changes, creativity, and be able to use time responsibly.

• Must be reliable.

• Ability and willingness to learn about BZC programs as they apply to assigned areas.

• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word), Microsoft 365, ZIMS or similar required.

• Must be able 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.

• For Aquatics and Marine Mammal positions, SCUBA Certification required within one year of employment.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• 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 act to remedy or report these as appropriate.

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

• Other Qualifications and Characteristics: Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Incumbent must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must understand or acquire understanding of how department interfaces with park-wide operations. Incumbent is expected to continue to grow professionally within the zookeeping profession. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

Animal Care Specialists 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. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. 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.

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