Herps - Animal Care Specialist

Join the PRIDE and 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 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.

This is a union, fulltime position and the hourly rate is $29.01/hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the union, full-time employee section), and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

Primary job duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
1. *Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.
2. *Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned.
3. *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.
4. *Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
5. *Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
6. *Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.
7. *Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
8. *Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
9. *Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
10. *Train and direct interns, seasonals, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned.
11. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Position 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.
• 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 for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
Desirable/preferred qualifications:
• Additional qualifications and experience may be required depending upon the specific animals and work area this posi