Birds - Assistant Animal Care Specialist

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

About The Position

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required.
Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
Good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
Ability to deal with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Ability to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
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.
Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
Must be reliable.
Ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a professional working proficiency.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare and distribute food as directed.
Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep accurate 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.
Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
Perform routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
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.
Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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.
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.
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.
- Group Accident Insurance
- Group Critical Illness Insurance
- Identity Theft Protection