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.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is excited to announce we are seeking a Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation to provide leadership to our Marine Mammal program and team of talented Animal Care Specialists.

Bringing extensive, high-level expertise in marine mammal care, the Director will be closely involved in managing the marine mammal species that includes social groupings, managed breeding, behavioral enrichment and operating conditioning programs. In our newly renovated Dolphin Bay, the Director will continue innovations in animal care bringing incredible conservation & educational stories to life that drive public engagement and community action. As a people-first manager who balances supportive coaching with clear, encouraging guidance, you will continue to strengthen a high performing team of animal care specialists and build future leaders in marine mammal care & conservation.

Be a part of BZC’s Next Century Plan charting a bold future of Key Projects expanding wildlife habitats and transcending conventional zoo design for a fully immersive experience.

The Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by leading the overall direction and operations of the marine mammal department/taxon specialty in accordance with BZC’s long-range plans for animal care, welfare, and conservation.

The Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation is a full-time salaried position grade 09 with an expected hiring range of $77,916.67 to $85,708.33 annually. Please follow this link or copy and paste it in your internet browser to see the BZC Benefits Summary.

Benefits Overview Fulltime Non-Union

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. *Responsible for maintaining the highest quality of daily husbandry and welfare of the marine mammal collection, collection planning, the supervision and development of the assigned animal care specialists. This position also maintains guest educational programs and oversees the department’s behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning programs.
2. *Responsible for the creation and management of the departmental budget. Participates in donor cultivation, tours, etc.
3. *Responsible for the management of assigned facilities to comply with regulations and accreditation standards. Submits work orders and follows projects through to completion.
4. *Responsibilities include the development and management of the conservation programs related to the taxon specialty. Works closely and collaboratively with the Animal Health & Welfare team on animal management/veterinary cases to ensure optimal health and welfare is provided to the collection. Participates in and facilitates research when necessary.
5. *As part of the Animal Care and Programs management team, will participate in the development and implementation of ACP guidelines and procedures.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned to assure achievement of annual goals and objectives.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum 5 years of captive management experience in a zoo or large-scale animal care facility or equivalent experience required within the taxon specialty.
• Minimum 3 years of managerial experience required (not limited to, but including budget development and management, high-level animal collection management, staff recruitment, etc.)
• Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions routinely.
• Positions managing aquatic taxa may require SCUBA certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (word processing and database management) essential.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. English fluency 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.

DESIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with animal record keeping systems, studbook programs preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position is also part of BZC senior leadership team. 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.

OCCPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

001292/09/92126

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.