Associate Director of Primate Care & Conservation

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

14d • $69,583 - $76,541 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Primate Care & Conservation is a full-time salaried position that provides operational leadership and management for Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Primate Department. The role ensures effective implementation of animal care, welfare, staffing, training, safety, and departmental priorities. As the primary operational leader and partner to the Director of Primates, the Associate Director supports the zoo’s mission and strategic pillars through animal management, employee development, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness.

The role oversees daily departmental operations, animal management programs, workforce activities, compliance, and departmental resources. Work is performed on-site and may require a non-traditional schedule, including holidays, weekends, mornings, and/or evenings. The zoo is open 363 days each year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or a related field, or five years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience; a high school diploma or educational equivalent (such as a 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.
• Ability to meet the essential job functions; Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require a physical examination and related medical testing or procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Multilingual ability; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the Primate Department by implementing departmental 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 employee 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 that enhance efficiency, safety, and animal care outcomes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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