Herps - Senior Animal Care Specialist

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

Job Description

Posted Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6 : 00 AM | Expired Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4 : 59 AM

Join the PRIDE!

Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago under direction of area managers or supervisors by providing experienced care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary. Perform routine duties independently and new duties with direction.

This is a union fulltime position, grade U630. The hourly rate for this position is $31.14 / hour. Our Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the union, fulltime employee section) : Benefits Table

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

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

Order, prepare, and distribute food as directed.

Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement change where appropriate. Maintain and utilize records.

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.

Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.

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. Develop proficiency in newly assigned procedures.

Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of Society property.

Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.

Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.

Train and direct work of interns, seasonal staff, volunteers, and full-time Animal Care Specialist staff as assigned.

Assume leadership role as assigned or appropriate.

• Other related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS :

DESIRABLE / PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialist 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. This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform.

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 :

Years of Service

New hire-5 years

5+ years

10+ years

15+ years

Vacation

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 usesick 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.

1.

New Year's Day

2.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

3.

President's Day

4.

Memorial Day

5.

6.

Independence Day

7.

Labor Day

8.

Veteran's Day

9.

Thanksgiving Day

10

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

000889-A

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.

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

J-18808-Ljbffr