Animal Care Specialist - Birds

Animal Care Specialist - Birds

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation action. Our 235-acre campus is home to more than 3,500 animals representing approximately 500 species. The Bird Department cares for a diverse collection of avian species, with a focus on Neotropical passerines, sustainable population management, and Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs.

The Animal Care Specialist - Birds provides animal care and related maintenance under the direction of area supervisors. The position also supports visitor engagement, safety, education, and daily operations while performing routine duties with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare, order, and distribute animal food as directed.

• Observe animals regularly and objectively report behavior, health, and welfare concerns; maintain animal records as assigned.

• Clean animal enclosures, pools, service areas, public spaces, and assigned grounds.

• Monitor enclosures, equipment, plants, and interpretive materials and report maintenance needs.

• Perform minor maintenance and area routines as assigned.

• Study and apply relevant zoological, husbandry, natural history, and animal behavior information.

• Develop proficiency in specialized animal care procedures.

• Monitor guests to ensure animal, guest, employee, and property safety.

• Communicate with and assist guests and help facilitate positive wildlife experiences.

• Follow BZC emergency procedures and safety protocols.

• Train and direct interns, seasonal employees, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned.

• Identify operational issues and recommend practical improvements.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; high school diploma or equivalent required.

• Successful completion of an Assistant Animal Care Specialist probationary period or equivalent zoo/aquarium experience required.

• Understanding of animal behavior and ability to safely work with live animals.

• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, animal behavior, and husbandry.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse, multicultural audiences.

• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during emergencies.

• Ability to learn and apply information and direction quickly and accurately.

• Strong observation, judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and maintain consistent, accurate work.

• Ability to train, educate, and direct interns and seasonal employees.

• Reliable, adaptable, and able to adjust to changing priorities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365, including Outlook and Word, and ZIMS or similar animal-record systems.

• Valid driver’s license required at hire. Illinois residents must have or obtain an Illinois license within 90 days; out-of-state residents must maintain a valid license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional animal care experience or qualifications related to the assigned species or work area.

• Spanish or other multilingual ability is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
This is a full-time, physically demanding position involving direct contact with or close proximity to live animals and exposure to various environmental conditions and hazards. Employees may be required to complete physical examinations, vaccinations, blood tests, or other procedures as required by law or reasonably necessary. The position requires rotating and non-traditional schedules, including weekends, holidays, mornings, evenings, and on-site work.

Employees are responsible for the proper care and use of Society property and for following safety procedures to protect animals, guests, employees, interns, volunteers, and others. Employees are expected to communicate professionally, work cooperatively, follow policies and procedures, understand BZC’s mission and operations, and represent Brookfield Zoo Chicago professionally at all times.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Portions of the recruitment and selection process may involve AI tools to support efficiency and consistency.