Wildlifebuzz

Carnivores/Small Mammals - Lead Animal Care Specialist

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Z oo 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!

This is a union full-time hourly position, grade U610 with a pay rate of $38.43 per hour.

BASIC FUNCTION :

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing experienced care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area, under the direction of area managers or supervisors. Perform a wide variety of departmental supervisory activities, including supervising and instructing Animal Care Specialists(“ACS”) in assigned area and to support innovations in Conservation Leadership and Animal Welfare. Relieve other Lead ACSs as directed. Perform all routine duties independently and new duties with minimal direction.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• * Perform in a proactive leadership role and communicate regularly with area supervisors/ managers regarding animal management, facility maintenance, and staff supervision and development.
• * Assist in departmental hiring, scheduling, and work assignments, and the development of departmental goals and plans. Establish work priorities for the department.
• * Routinely monitor and review the work performance of ACS staff in assigned area and ensure completion of tasks in a timely and effective fashion.
• * Prepare and conduct performance appraisals as assigned.
• * Responsible for current animal and equipment inventory. Verify employee work schedules. Provide written reports as assigned.
• * Handle personnel situations in a timely, objective, and consistent manner and in accordance with BZC policies and the union contract.
• * Order, prepare, and distribute food to animal areas as required.
• * Ensure compliance with all BZC policies and procedures.
• * Observe assigned animals closely and objectively. Apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement change where appropriate. Maintain and utilize animal records.
• * Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as required. Report maintenance needs as appropriate and perform minor maintenance tasks.
• * Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as required.
• * Maintain detailed and current knowledge of natural history, husbandry, and captive management of species and individuals in assigned areas.
• * Maintain proficiency in area routines and specialized procedures.
• * Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of BZC property.
• * Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• * Serve in a leadership role in directing the management and operations within assigned area and ensure short-term goals are developed and achieved. Solicit input on improving operations and animal management procedures.
• * Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
• * Train and direct work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time ACS staff as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED).
• Minimum four years of experience as an animal care specialist or equivalent required. Track record of exemplary performance as a supervisory keeper or equivalent, relevant experience.
• Strong supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace.
• Detailed and current knowledge of natural history and principles of animal behavior and husbandry required. Ability to work with live animals safely.
• Additional qualifications and experience may be required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the incumbent will be working. For Marine Mammals and Aquatics Lead ACS positions, SCUBA Certification is required.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to maintain good working relationships both internally and externally.
• Knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs.
• Proven ability to train and direct the work of others.
• Demonstrated capacity to guide the professional development of others.
• Ability to effectively mediate routine personnel issues and conflicts between staff.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changes.
• Proficient in learning and integrating information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• Good decision-making skills and ability to make sound, independent judgments. Ability to integrate and apply knowledge and prior experience to affect or implement changes.
• Proficient in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Good problem-solving skills. Ability to identify problems and utilize appropriate information to develop solutions. Track record of demonstrating initiative in analyzing and solving problems and recommending ideas and viable suggestions that are well thought out and researched.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Good time management skills. Must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and responsibility in use of time.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to personnel and other privileged matters.
• 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.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language at a professional working proficiency.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Additional qualifications and experience is preferred based upon the specific animals and work area where the ACS will be working. Generally, previous work experience with assigned taxa is 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.

Responsibility for BZC Property : Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.

Responsibility for Safety of Others : Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and act to remedy or report these as appropriate.

Contacts : Primary contacts include staff, professional associates, volunteers, docents, interns, and guests.

Other Expectations and Characteristics : Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and communicate effectively and promptly with co-workers, managers, and guests following appropriate communication channels. Must understand or quickly acquire understanding of how the department interfaces with BZC-wide operations. Must be able to learn BZC conservation programs as they apply to assigned area(s). Must perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed and have a proven track record of consistently and accurately performing job duties. Incumbent is expected to continue to develop supervisory skills and grow professionally within the animal care profession. Must set a professional example for animal care staff.

Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. ACS positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary. Incumbent must possess or acquire knowledge of BZC, its mission and vision, policies and procedures, and incorporate into daily job responsibilities. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

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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.

Union Full-Time Employees

Time Away from Work:

Vacation: Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire. Unused vacation time does not carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Years of Service

Vacation

Less than 1 year of service

Not eligible to schedule or take vacation time with pay

At least 1 year of continuous service -5 years

2 weeks (80 hours)

Personal Convenience Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year.

Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 10 days per year (accumulated at a rate of 0.833 days per month worked). Any employee who does not use anysick time during the calendar year shall be credited with the accrual of twelve sick days during that year. Accumulation of sick leave is unlimited.

Holidays: Union employees are eligible for ten paid holidays per year.

Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire for Retirement Savings, Employer-Paid Income Protection, and Voluntary Benefits.

Medical Insurance: Brookfield Zoo Chicago pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters Union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee’s date of separation. Employees can also cover their spouse and child(ren) under age 27.

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 and Basic Term Life insurance through the Teamsters Union and Long-Term disability benefits through Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Voluntary Benefits:

- Group Critical Illness Insurance

- Identity Theft Protection

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

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.

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America