Compliance Coordinator Zoological Operations

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Compliance Coordinator ensures Brookfield Zoo Chicago maintains continuous compliance with applicable animal welfare regulatory and accreditation standards and remains inspection-ready. The role oversees alignment with the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Association of Zoos & Aquariums standards, American Humane Society Humane Certification criteria, and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums standards. It also supports IACUC operations and compliance with Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare/Public Health Services assurance requirements. The position works closely with animal care and programs, veterinary services, plant and facilities, life safety, and risk management to monitor compliance, coordinate inspections, maintain documentation, and promote proactive readiness and accountability. It conducts internal inspections, maintains audit-ready records, tracks corrective actions, coordinates training and compliance reviews, and supports continuous improvement and risk mitigation. The role also administers research-program processes, including protocol submissions, committee communications, records, and approved research sample requests. This is a full-time, hourly, non-union position, grade 06H. The expected hiring range is $26.66 to $29.33 per hour. Work takes place across a large, multi-facility, park-like zoo setting and includes access to behind-the-scenes animal areas. The employee must be comfortable working around all taxa, including large carnivores and marine mammals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Health, Public Administration, or a related field.
At least two years of experience in zoo, aquarium, wildlife care, research compliance, laboratory animal compliance, or accreditation management.
Current, valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle record check.
Strong working knowledge of animal welfare legislation, accreditation standards, and inspection protocols.
Exceptional organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to maintain detailed, audit-ready records.
Accuracy and completeness in documentation and inspections.
Ability to coordinate prompt, accurate responses to unannounced regulatory audits and site visits while minimizing operational disruption and mitigating risk.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to deliver effective training.
Problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action-plan management skills.
Ability to handle highly confidential information and adhere to ethical standards in animal care and welfare.
Ability to work in animal environments, including indoor and outdoor habitats and around diverse species.
Proficiency with digital recordkeeping systems and strong computer literacy, such as Microsoft 365 or similar applications.
Working professional proficiency in English.
Cultural competency and the ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities and maintain regular physical mobility across a large zoo setting.
Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and walk long distances across Zoo grounds to conduct audits and inspections.
Comfort working around all taxa, including large carnivores and marine mammals.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations and/or AZA accreditation processes.
Multilingual ability; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject-matter expert on USDA Animal Welfare Act requirements, AZA standards, Humane Certification criteria, and AMMPA guidelines; monitor regulatory updates and communicate their implications.
Develop and maintain compliance calendars covering deadlines, reports, renewals, and inspections.
Coordinate and lead preparations for scheduled and unscheduled regulatory and IACUC inspections.
Conduct routine internal inspections of animal areas, behind-the-scenes spaces, and public habitats.
Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation, including training records, daily logs, environmental monitoring, facility maintenance reports, veterinary documentation, and corrective actions.
Develop and oversee standardized documentation-retention processes, including digital record systems.
Track and close corrective actions arising from inspections, audits, and internal assessments.
Collaborate with animal care directors and lead ACS supervisors, veterinary staff, nutrition, facilities, and safety teams to incorporate compliance into daily operations.
Facilitate monthly compliance review meetings with group leadership.
Support initiatives to incorporate animal welfare regulations into new habitats and renovations.
Create and deliver compliance training for animal care and operations staff, including onboarding modules for new employees.
Ensure staff understand and follow applicable documentation, sanitation, husbandry, emergency response, and animal transport protocols.
Analyze compliance trends, identify systemic issues, and recommend solutions to improve animal welfare and reduce regulatory risk.
Lead root-cause analyses for deficiencies or non-compliance events.
Support the development and refinement of SOPs for safety, welfare, and regulatory alignment.
Participate on the EMRT to help ensure emergency drills, documentation, and response plans meet accreditation expectations.
Track and process research protocol submissions and approvals.
Coordinate committee communications with Primary Investigators and BZC staff.
Prepare and maintain meeting minutes and records.
Monitor and communicate animal welfare concerns or protocol-related issues to the Chair and Committee.
Support institutional reporting and documentation requirements.
Coordinate with Veterinary Technician staff to complete biological sample requests for approved research projects.
Safely operate motorized utility carts to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies across Zoo grounds.