Lead Animal Care Specialist
Hoofed Mammals
Location
Brookfield, Illinois, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
4-7 years
Compensation
$38 - $38 per hour
Posted
3d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Lead Animal Care Specialist for Hoofed Mammals at Brookfield Zoo Chicago provides experienced animal care and maintains facilities in their assigned area. This role involves supervising and instructing Animal Care Specialists, supporting conservation leadership, and ensuring animal welfare while performing duties independently.
Lead Animal Care Specialist – Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Basic Function
The Lead Animal Care Specialist (Lead ACS) supports the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing experienced animal care and maintaining assigned buildings, grounds, exhibits, and interpretives. Under the direction of area managers/supervisors, the Lead ACS provides day-to-day leadership, supervision, training, and direction to Animal Care Specialists (ACS), while supporting Conservation Leadership and Animal Welfare initiatives. The role requires independent performance of routine duties and minimal direction for new assignments. Hoofed mammals may include Bactrian camels, okapis, Grevy’s zebras, addax, antelopes, and other species.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide proactive leadership and communicate with managers/supervisors regarding animal care, facility maintenance, staffing, and employee development.
Assist with hiring, scheduling, work assignments, departmental goals, and operational planning; establish work priorities.
Monitor ACS performance, ensure timely completion of duties, and conduct performance appraisals as assigned.
Maintain accurate animal, equipment, and staffing records; verify schedules and prepare reports.
Address personnel matters objectively and consistently in accordance with BZC policies and the union contract.
Prepare, order, and distribute animal diets and food as required.
Ensure compliance with BZC policies, procedures, safety standards, and emergency protocols.
Observe animals closely, recognize behavioral or health-related changes, maintain records, and apply husbandry knowledge to improve animal management.
Maintain enclosures, pools, service areas, public spaces, plants, equipment, and interpretives; report maintenance needs and perform minor repairs.
Maintain current knowledge of species natural history, behavior, husbandry, captive management, and specialized area procedures.
Monitor guests and facilities to promote animal, guest, and staff safety; assist guests and enhance their understanding and enjoyment of animals.
Lead daily operations within the assigned area and help establish and achieve short-term goals and operational improvements.
Train and direct interns, seasonal employees, and ACS staff as assigned.
Relieve other Lead ACSs as directed and perform other related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or another relevant biological field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. High school diploma/GED required.
Minimum 4 years of experience as an Animal Care Specialist or equivalent, with demonstrated exemplary performance in a supervisory keeper or similar role.
Strong supervisory, leadership, training, coaching, and conflict-mediation skills, with the ability to promote morale and productivity.
Strong knowledge of animal behavior, natural history, husbandry, captive population management, and AZA conservation programs.
Ability to safely work with live animals, recognize changes in animal behavior/condition, and make sound independent decisions.
Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies, adapt quickly to change, work independently, and integrate new information efficiently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with diverse, multicultural audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365, Outlook, Word, and ZIMS or similar animal-record systems.
Professional working proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Valid driver’s license required at hire. Illinois residents must have an Illinois license or obtain one within 90 days; out-of-state residents must maintain a valid state license.
Additional qualifications may apply based on assigned animal area. SCUBA certification is required for Marine Mammals and Aquatics Lead ACS positions.
Updated 3d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
4-7 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$38 - $38 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Team size
Growing team
Location
Brookfield, Illinois, United States
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!
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Lead Animal Care Specialist
Brookfield, Illinois, United States • Full Time