Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
Our Animal Ambassador Program was one of the first of its kind in the Chicagoland area. It allows guests to get up-close views and personal experiences with amazing animals around the zoo’s grounds and during special events. This area works with the largest variety of bird, mammal, reptile, and invertebrate species found at Brookfield Zoo Chicago!
This is a union full-time hourly position, grade U640 with a pay rate of $29.88/hour.
The Animal Care Specialist 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. *Train and direct interns, seasonals, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned. 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.
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.
This is a union full-time hourly position, grade U640 with a pay rate of $29.88/hour.
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. Union Full-Time Employees Time Away from Work: Vacation: 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. Years of Service Vacation Less than 1 year of service Not eligible to schedule or take vacation time with pay At least 1 year of continuous service -5 years 2 weeks (80 hours)
Personal Convenience Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 10 days per year (accumulated at a rate of 0.833 days per month worked). Any employee who does not use any sick time during the calendar year shall be credited with the accrual of twelve sick days during that year. Accumulation of sick leave is unlimited. Holidays: Union employees are eligible for ten paid holidays per year. Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire for Retirement Savings, Employer-Paid Income Protection, and Voluntary Benefits. Medical Insurance: Brookfield Zoo Chicago 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: 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 and Basic Term Life insurance through the Teamsters Union and Long-Term disability benefits through Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Voluntary Benefits: - Group Accident Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance - Identity Theft Protection
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.
