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!

The Animal Care Specialist - Birds is a full-time, hourly, union position grade U640 with a pay rate of $31.67 per hour. Please follow this link or copy and paste it in your internet browser to see the Compensation and Benefits Summary. https://assets.ctfassets.net/y4b3fp715dyu/7sm0rJ2qEBLPqOd5aRpwNB/df2d075cfbd79235e9509d54c3e2e4bf/Benefits-overview-union-full-time.pdf

At Brookfield Zoo Chicago, our Bird Department cares for a diverse collection of avian species, with a special focus on Neotropical passerines. Building sustainable populations is central to our work. We actively support Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, and staff serve as program leaders for the Silver-beaked Tanager, Red-capped Cardinal, Blue-grey Tanager, and Snowy Owl. Through collaboration and sharing our work with the broader zoo community, we help advance avian care and conservation.

The Animal Care Specialist - Birds contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under direction of area supervisors, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in 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:

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

1. *Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.
2. *Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned.
3. *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.
4. *Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
5. *Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
6. *Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.
7. *Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
8. *Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
9. *Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
10. *Train and direct interns, seasonals, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned.
11. 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/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.
• Incumbent 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 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.
• For Marine Mammals and Aquatic Animal Care Specialist positions, SCUBA Certification required within one year of employment.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Additional qualifications and experience may be required depending upon the specific animals and work area the incumbent 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 the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.

• 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 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 possess ability to adjust quickly to changes. Incumbent is 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 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. 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.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

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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.