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Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by developing, implementing and executing comprehensive wildlife health research and scientific programs, communication with collaborators, project coordination, data analyses and preparation of scientific papers and publications. The Conservation Medicine and Science program within the Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Science consists of multiple long-standing core Conservation Science programs, growth programs and future opportunities. The fellow will develop and promote existing and future research of conservation medicine initiatives, especially as they relate to local, national, and international priorities of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Position would build upon an existing collaboration with Punta San Juan Program. Funding is provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago in the form of standard salary and fringe-benefit costs. The program shall commence in 2026 (start date TBD), and continue in effect for a period of up to three (3) years, as this is a fixed term, grand-funded position.
This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 7 with an expected hiring range of $62,125.00 to $68,337.50 annually.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Plans and carries out research specific to the Punta San Juan project.
• Trains staff at collaborating institutions in project methodology.
• Assists the Director of Conservation Medicine and Science in related research projects as required.
• Analyzes compiled data.
• Prepares reports for scientific publication and presentation and for distribution to collaborators.
• Collates, tabulates and organizes all incoming data.
• Other related duties as assigned.

*Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited institution or recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association required.
• Valid state veterinary license (if non-Illinois licensed, must obtain Illinois licenses within 6 months of hire).
• Experience working with live animals safely.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• English fluency - ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend at an advanced level is required
• Strong communication skills, verbal, written and listening skills; strong presentation/platform skills and experience essential.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; must be able to establish and maintain strong, positive relationships. Ability to work with opposing constituencies, operate as a facilitator, and a reconciler of interests.
• Must be proactive, persistent, and helpful.
• Must be self-motivated, resourceful, results-oriented, confident, and have strong planning and organizational skills.
• Strong character and ethics; must be fair, objective, assertive, and able to withstand criticism and overcome adversity and challenges.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Experience writing reports and scientific papers, grant preparation, and oral presentations.
• Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, including skills in database management, statistical packages, and graphing software.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working at a zoological or non-profit institution desirable.
• ACZM or ACVPM Residency training or board-certification.
• Graduate (MS or PhD, PhD preferred) degree.
• Successful track record of fundraising/generating revenue and program support through grants and other means.
• Relevant budgeting experience strongly preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a visible position with significant responsibility for resources, assets, and results achieved. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization and have a strong commitment to BZC mission, goals, values, and operating philosophies. International travel will be required. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by BZC for its employees, Board members, and other professional participants and audiences, and to represent BZC externally. Work weeks in excess of 40 hours are not unusual. Thus, the individual must be prepared to make a significant commitment to the organization.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition number 279.
This is a grant funded, non-union, full-time, salaried position, grade 7 with an expected hiring range of $62,125.00 to $68,337.50 annually.
Benefits Summary
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer.
Non-Union Full-Time Employees
Time Away from Work:
Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire.
Years of Service
Positions in Grades 01H-06
Positions in Grades
07H-14-14MT-15MT
Positions in Grades
16H-17MT
Positions in Grades
07H1-081 (10hr/day)
New hire- 5 years
21 days
26 days
31 days
18 days
Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year.
Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire.
Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan.
Benefit
Coverage Tiers Available
HMO Employee Cost (biweekly)
PPO Employee Cost (biweekly)
Medical Insurance
Employee, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
$48.82- $199.53
$75.12- $296.58
Common Medical Event
HMO
PPO
Annual Deductible
$250 Individual/ $500 Family
In-Network: $750 Individual / $1,500 Family
Out-of-Network: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family
Out-of-pocket-maximum
$1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family
Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family
In-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family
Out-of-Network: $4,000 Individual / $8,000 Family
Doctors Visits
$40/ PCP visit
$60/ Specialist visit
No Charge: Preventive care/screening/
immunization
$30/ PCP visit; deductible does not apply
$50/ Specialist visit; deductible does not apply
No Charge: Preventive care/screening/
immunization; deductible does not apply.
Hospitalization
Facility Fee: $250/admission plus 20% coinsurance
Physician/surgeon fees: No charge
Facility Fee: 20% co-insurance
Physician/surgeon fee: 20% co-insurance.
Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage:A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.
Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
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, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance.
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.
Voluntary Benefits:
-Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance
-Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance
-Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection
The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.