Birds - Animal Care Specialist

At the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, we are firmly dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of avian populations. Our innovative conservation and research initiatives significantly enhance avian care. Our objectives extend beyond basic avian care; we strive to cultivate a deep appreciation for bird species while implementing meaningful change for birds in managed environments and their natural habitats.

We are committed to establishing ourselves as a recognized industry leader and advancing the future of avian care. Our emphasis on mentorship and staff development is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in the zoological community, thereby ensuring the continuous progress of our vision, mission, and goals

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 full-time union position, with a starting pay rate of $29.88 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the full-time union employees section): Benefits Table and/or details also provided below after the job description information. Or paste in your browser to view:

www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

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 and specifications:

• 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.

• Incumbent 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 the incumbent will be working.
• 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 Society 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 possess ability to adjust quickly to changes. Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of BCZ's mission, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures. Must understand or acquire understanding of how the department interfaces with BZC-wide operations. Must represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

Animal Care Specialists ("ACS") 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. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 195.

Benefits Summary

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week.

Time away from work: 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.

Vacation: Vacation is earned based on the following schedule:

Personal Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Advance scheduling is required when foreseeable. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Any employee with 20 years of service or more receives one additional personal day each year.

Sick Time: Sick time accrues at a rate equivalent to 10 sick days per year. Any employee who does not use sick time during the calendar year is credited with two (2) additional sick days that year. Accumulation of sick time is unlimited.

Holidays: Union employees are eligible for 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Medical Insurance: BZC 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: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term disability benefits are provided through the Teamsters union, for up to 26 weeks, if you are unable to work. Long-Term disability benefits are provided through Brookfield Zoo Chicago for up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Voluntary Benefits:

- Group Accident Insurance

- Group Critical Illness Insurance

- Identity Theft Protection

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Blackhawk Work Perks

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.