Brookfield Zoo Chicago is excited to announce we are seeking a Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation to provide leadership to our Marine Mammal program and team of talented Animal Care Specialists.
- Bringing extensive, high-level expertise in marine mammal care, the Director will be closely involved in managing the marine mammal species that includes social groupings, managed breeding, behavioral enrichment and operating conditioning programs.
- In our newly renovated Dolphin Bay, the Director will continue innovations in animal care bringing incredible conservation & educational stories to life that drive public engagement and community action.
- As a people-first manager who balances supportive coaching with clear, encouraging guidance, you will continue to strengthen a high performing team of animal care specialists and build future leaders in marine mammal care & conservation.
- Be a part of BZC’s Next Century Plan charting a bold future of Key Projects expanding wildlife habitats and transcending conventional zoo design for a fully immersive experience.
- The Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by leading the overall direction and operations of the marine mammal department/taxon specialty in accordance with BZC’s long-range plans for animal care, welfare, and conservation.
- The Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation is a full-time salaried position grade 09 with an expected hiring range of $77,916.67 to $85,708.33 annually.
- Please follow this link or copy and paste it in your internet browser to see the BZC Benefits Summary.
- Benefits Overview Fulltime Non-Union
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
- Responsible for maintaining the highest quality of daily husbandry and welfare of the marine mammal collection, collection planning, the supervision and development of the assigned animal care specialists.
- This position also maintains guest educational programs and oversees the department’s behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning programs.
- Responsible for the creation and management of the departmental budget. Participates in donor cultivation, tours, etc.
- Responsible for the management of assigned facilities to comply with regulations and accreditation standards. Submits work orders and follows projects through to completion.
- Responsibilities include the development and management of the conservation programs related to the taxon specialty. Works closely and collaboratively with the Animal Health & Welfare team on animal management/veterinary cases to ensure optimal health and welfare is provided to the collection. Participates in and facilitates research when necessary.
- As part of the Animal Care and Programs management team, will participate in the development and implementation of ACP guidelines and procedures.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to assure achievement of annual goals and objectives.
- Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum 5 years of captive management experience in a zoo or large-scale animal care facility or equivalent experience required within the taxon specialty.
- Minimum 3 years of managerial experience required (not limited to, but including budget development and management, high-level animal collection management, staff recruitment, etc.)
- Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions routinely.
- Positions managing aquatic taxa may require SCUBA certification.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (word processing and database management) essential.
- Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience, English fluency at a professional working proficiency,
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
DESIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with animal record keeping systems, studbook programs preferred.
- Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- This position is also part of BZC senior leadership team.
- 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.
OCCPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- See Occupational Requirements Form.
Salary
- An expected hiring range of $77,916.67 to $85,708.33
