Associate Director, Carnivore/Small Mammal Care & Conservation

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

14d • $69,583 - $76,541 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, Carnivore/Small Mammal Care & Conservation provides operational leadership and management for Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Carnivore/Small Mammal Department. The role implements departmental priorities and coordinates daily operations to ensure continuity of animal care, staffing, and departmental functions. It serves as the primary operational leader and partner to the Director of Carnivore/Small Mammal, supporting the zoo’s mission and strategic pillars through animal management, employee development, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness.

The position oversees animal management activities, workforce management, departmental resources, and compliance with accreditation standards, regulations, institutional policies, safety programs, and operational procedures. The role is full-time and salaried, with an expected hiring range of $69,583 to $76,541 annually. It is an on-site position that may involve a non-traditional schedule, including holidays, weekends, mornings, and/or evenings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or a related field, or five years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience; high school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) is also required.
• Minimum five years of captive management experience in a zoo or large-scale animal care facility, or equivalent experience within the taxon specialty.
• Minimum two years of supervisory experience.
• Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work safely with live animals.
• Ability to routinely perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, including word processing and database management.
• Cultural competency and experience or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Valid driver’s license; Illinois residents must obtain a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire, and out-of-state residents must have a valid license from their state.

Nice To Haves

• Multilingual ability; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the Carnivore/Small Mammal Department by implementing priorities, coordinating daily operations, and ensuring continuity of animal care, staffing, and departmental functions.
• Oversee animal management activities, including population management initiatives, animal welfare programs, veterinary procedures, transfers, introductions, training, and husbandry practices.
• Lead workforce management, including scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, staff development, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, safety programs, and operational procedures; maintain inspection readiness and risk mitigation practices.
• Oversee departmental facilities, equipment, budgets, records, and operational systems, and recommend improvements to efficiency, safety, and animal care outcomes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior