Job Description

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!

Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) is seeking a dynamic, innovative and collaborative leader for our Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation in support of our advancing the highest standards of animal care, welfare and sustainability. Standing on the brink of our 100th anniversary in 2034, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s ambitious Next Century Plan will transform our campus with dynamic animal habitats and wild landscapes. As the animals in our care are at the heart of BZC, the focus will be on strengthening and diversifying our animal population by introducing new species that strategically align with the Next Century Plan while curating an animal population that reflects conservation priorities. The Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation will also focus on strengthening employee engagement, supporting employee development and collaborate with leadership on philanthropy, infrastructure, guest experiences and programming.

The Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation serves as senior leadership manager for the Animal Care & Programs group. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with Senior V.P. and ACP managers to establish, implement, and maintain high quality standards for animal care and welfare. Oversees husbandry programs for the animal collection, working closely with other departments to integrate activities related to animal nutrition, veterinary care, animal acquisition/disposition, breeding, recordkeeping, animal behavior, conservation, and environments.

This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 13MT, with an expected hiring range of $139,265.31 to $154,932.65 annually. Please scroll past the job description information for further details.
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. *Works closely and collaboratively with the SVP, senior managers of the Animal Care & Programs (ACP) Group, the Animal Health & Welfare Group (AHW), and others to determine institutional standards of care, assure the health and well-being of the animal collection and the integration and coordination of information, plans, and activities to assure optimum care of the collection and achievement of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) overall goals and objectives. Works to maintain and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement and a focus on the importance of behavioral husbandry standards. Creates metrics for measuring quality of animal care, advancements in animal care, and impact of same on animal well-being. Works with staff to quantify and implement means to document animal well-being and animal responses to husbandry programs and environments.
2. *Works with ACP staff and other AHWS specialists to oversee the care of the collection, including but not limited to: monitoring the health and reproductive status of the animals, monitoring, assessing, and responding to indicators of well-being; assist in the determination and support of training and enrichment to support animal visibility goals; identifying the need for special dietary and/or medical treatment; to gather research and other data needed in the care of the collection; and other activities as appropriate. Ensures that ACP operations, facilities and staff comply with established protocols, policies, and procedures, professional standards, and governmental regulations.
3. *With input from SVP and ACP managers, develops, implements, and communicates a management plan for the animal collection and for the department, including species selection, reproduction and contraception, and animal transactions. Seeks appropriate input from ACP managers, Executive Team, and other managers. Manages the collection to optimize the well-being of individuals and populations, for genetic and demographic management, and to meet exhibition/guest experience goals.
4. *Interfaces with SVP, ACP staff, and departments regarding strategic planning and implementation, research plans, animal collection plans, guest experience and exhibition, etc. Collaborates with the SVP and AHWS to set leadership goals to achieve leadership goals within the AZA and conservation communities.
5. *Collaborates in developing in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs while ensuring integration with the animal collection, education, and conservation messages for exhibit goals. Provides leadership to all ACP involved conservation programs ensuring alignment across the departments.
6. *Works with Guest Services, Marketing, SSA and others with respect to exhibition, guest experience, and catered events objectives. Provides technical input and serves as a resource for planning, designing and improving exhibits, and for promotions and events.
7. *In coordination with the SVP, assists in overseeing the activities of contractors and BZC staff during major construction, maintenance, and repair projects, and coordinates with other areas and staff as appropriate, to ensure the health and safety of the animal collection, projects are completed on time and within budget, and that the final projects meet BZC requirements for quality, health and safety, guest satisfaction, etc. Participates in oversight of capital planning, construction and maintenance projects for animal facilities and enclosures.
8. *Consults with the Registrar on animal records (individual and population) and makes recommendations to provide integrated and accessible records and/or to address issues and identify trends in the animal collection.
9. *Assists in leading regular meetings of ACP managers and staff and ensures timely decision-making and resolution of issues. Promotes collaboration and fosters teamwork and a positive work environment.
10. *As part of the Programs & Impact (“P&I”) Leadership team, partners with the Education & Community Engagement (“ECE”) Group and other staff to confirm a comprehensive visitor communications program in accordance with BZC’s long-range plan. Provides expertise and input into programs and ensures that the program is implemented, evaluated, and updated as necessary. Contributes to the integration of the ACP and ECE teams to create synergies between the animal collection, exhibit experience, consistent and integrated educational and conservation messaging. *Directs assigned ACP staff, including: scheduling; coaching and counseling; recognition; and recommendation of employment actions, including but not limited to: disciplinary actions. Makes appropriate recommendations with respect to department structure, staffing and manpower needs.
11. *Represents BZC and the animal collection and promotes its interests externally, including but not limited to representation with the AZA, to local, national and international conservation groups, the academic community, and the media. Represents BZC's position and interests in animal conservation and other issues in a well-informed, positive, professional, and responsive manner. Contributes articles to scientific journals and makes presentations to professional organizations and institutions. Represents BZC to external visitors, i.e. guests, trustees, donors, media, visiting colleagues, etc.
12. *Assures full and effective two-way communications among staff members of the ACP group. Assures staff are fully engaged and involved at all levels and that input and feedback flows up, down and across. Keeps appropriate others apprised of plans and activities, as well as emergent issues. Fosters effective communications within the group and holds staff accountable for same.
13. Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of ACP goals and objectives.
*Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Biology, Zoology, or relevant field or equivalent combination of two years’ experience to one year of college coursework. This degree requirement can be satisfied by 8 years’ relevant experience in a Curator, General Curator, or comparable position at a management level. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Five years of experience in a Curator or comparable leadership position.
• Knowledge / familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics and representative husbandry standards. Familiar with AZA or other captive population management programs.
• Familiarity with USDA and other regulatory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including verbal, written, platform, and listening skills. Must be articulate, able to establish and maintain a strong rapport and positive relationships.
• Experience working with opposing constituencies, operating as a facilitator, and a reconciler of interests.
• Effective networker, decision-maker and problem-solver.
• Coach and facilitator, with a strong commitment to developing staff. A role model who can mentor and teach others; strong team orientation.
• Individual of strong character and ethics, who is fair, objective, sensitive, and able to withstand criticisms and personal challenges.
• Must be flexible, cooperative, and able to adapt easily to shifting priorities.
• Highly professional, self-motivated, results-oriented, and confident.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Strong interest in/commitment to conservation, animals, and the natural world.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (word processing and database management) essential.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a full professional level.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Masters or Ph.D. Degree in Animal Biology, Zoology, or relevant field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience preferred.
• AZA professional membership preferred.
• Familiarity with animal record keeping systems; studbook programs preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a highly visible, senior-level management position with significant responsibility for resources, staff, animals, assets, and results achieved. Requires an experienced, energetic professional who is committed to the continual development of a comprehensive, integrated program for BZC’s animal collection. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and how Animal Care & Programs activities impact the organization and other areas, as well as overall zoo goals and objectives. Must be Must be strategic in his/her orientation, proactive, persistent, and helpful, and able to handle multiple projects and priorities and work within a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Incumbent must be passionate about animals, conservation, making a difference and have a desire to contribute to the whole. Some travel is required. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at many events sponsored by BZC for its employees, Board members, and other professional participants and audiences and to represent BZC externally. Thus, individual must be prepared to make a significant commitment to the organization.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 13MT, with an expected hiring range of $139,265.31 to $154,932.65 annually.

Benefits Summary
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer.
Non-Union Full-Time Employees
Time Away from Work:
Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire.
Years of Service Positions in Grades 01H-06 Positions in Grades 07H-14-14MT-15MT Positions in Grades 16H-17MT Positions in Grades 07H1-081 (10hr/day)
New hire- 5 years 21 days 26 days 31 days 18 days

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year.
Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire.
Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan.
Benefit Coverage Tiers Available HMO Employee Cost (biweekly) PPO Employee Cost (biweekly)
Medical Insurance Employee, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family $48.82- $199.53 $75.12- $296.58

Common Medical Event HMO PPO
Annual Deductible $250 Individual/ $500 Family In-Network: $750 Individual / $1,500 Family Out-of-Network: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family
Out-of-pocket-maximum $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family In-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family Out-of-Network: $4,000 Individual / $8,000 Family
Doctors Visits
$40/ PCP visit
$60/ Specialist visit
No Charge: Preventive care/screening/
immunization

$30/ PCP visit; deductible does not apply
$50/ Specialist visit; deductible does not apply
No Charge: Preventive care/screening/
immunization; deductible does not apply.

Hospitalization Facility Fee: $250/admission plus 20% coinsurance Physician/surgeon fees: No charge Facility Fee: 20% co-insurance Physician/surgeon fee: 20% co-insurance.

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.
Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested.

Employer-Paid Income Protection: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance.
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.

Voluntary Benefits:
-Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance
-Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance
-Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection

001398/13MT/070226

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.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.