27-Feb-2024

2645BR

Regular Full Time

Job Function and Responsibilities

The dolphin program at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is also accredited by the , an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations. Our newly renovated Seven Seas dolphinarium includes our bottlenose dolphins who have just returned after spending a year at Minnesota Zoo! In our pinniped area, we house our California sea lions, Harbor seals and Grey seals, including our newest pup (born February 17!).

The Lead Animal Care Specialist, Marine Mammals contributes to the success of the 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 in assigned area and to support innovations in Conservation Leadership and Animal Welfare. Relieve other Lead Animal Care Specialists as directed. Perform all routine duties independently and new duties with minimal direction.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

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 Animal Care Specialists 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 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. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement zoo-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. Train and direct work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time keep staff as assigned. Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
Minimum 4 years Keeper experience or equivalent required. Must possess a track record of exemplary performance as a supervisory keeper or have equivalent, relevant experience.
Detailed and current knowledge of natural history and principles of animal behavior and husbandry required. Must be able to work with live animals safely.
Additional qualifications and experience may be preferred or required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the Animal Care Specialists will be working. Generally, previous work experience with assigned taxa, Marine Mammals, will be preferred.
SCUBA Certification is required.
Good communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Must be able to maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels, internal and external to Animal Programs. Must be able to communicate effectively and promptly with co-workers, managers, and guests following appropriate communication channels.
Must be knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs.
Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Must be proficient in learning and integrating information, knowledge, and direction quickly, and completing tasks as needed.
Good decision-making skills. Ability to integrate and apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement changes and make sound independent judgments where appropriate.
Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a proven record of consistently and accurately performing job duties.
Good problem-solving skills. Must be able to identify problems and utilize appropriate information to develop solutions. Must possess a track record of demonstrating initiative in analyzing and solving problems, and recommending ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations. Demonstrated record of making recommendations and suggestions that are well thought-out and researched.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
Strong supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace. Proven ability to train and direct the work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time Animal Care Specialist staff. Demonstrated ability to effectively mediate routine personnel issues and conflicts between staff.
Must be able to 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. Demonstrated capacity to guide the professional development of co-workers.
Good time management skills. Must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and responsibility in use of time.
Ability and willingness to learn our conservation programs as they apply to assigned areas.
Must be reliable.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality with regard to personnel and other privileged matters.
Basic computer literacy required. Microsoft Office suite preferred.
Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
Valid driver's license required.

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.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Schedule Details

This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Animal Care and Programs

Group

Animal Care and Programs

Union Status

Union