Animal Care Specialist - Birds

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Join 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. 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.
Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned.
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.
Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.
Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
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.