Animal Behavioral Research Assistant

Join the PRIDE!

Since our 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.

The Animal Behavioral Research Assistant is a full-time hourly position grade 04H with an expected hiring range of $22.09 to $24.03 per hour. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

The Animal Behavioral Research Assistant contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by assisting in analyses of behavioral and animal health data in support of innovations in Animal Welfare. The position contributes to the pillar of Innovations in Science, Education, Training, and Animal Welfare.

Ideal candidate will have experience working across diverse animal taxa (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatics). Publishing or presenting experience a plus; ability to synthesize and communicate your work (authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts, writing articles for specialized publications, or delivering conference presentations and educational outreach programs).

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• *Assist in analyses of behavioral and animal health data in support of innovations in Animal Welfare.
• *Perform data collection, data management, and data tabulation for assigned research.
• *Assist in development of ideas for new behavioral protocols and computerized data management systems.
• *Assist in data analyses when appropriate and perform literature searches.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Denotes essential job function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Psychology or related field or eight year's equivalent combination of training and experience. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required
• One-year relevant experience in behavioral data collection techniques and/or observation methodologies.
• Must have ability to work collaboratively.
• Must be proactive and able to identify tasks to be completed and move forward without prompting.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal and effective listening skills.
• Ability to establish, develop, and maintain a strong rapport and positive relationships with volunteers, staff, guests, and local community members.
• Must be able to maintain confidential information.
• Must be highly flexible and adaptable, have a strong work ethic, and be highly tactful.
• 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.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

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. Incumbent is required to gain a solid understanding of the organization, individual departments and functions, its mission, vision, values, history, and operating philosophies, and how the Animal Health, Welfare and Science impacts the organization and interact with individual departments. Must represent BZC in a professional and courteous manner at all times and have a track record of working effectively in a fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

000769/052725

Benefits Summary

We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer.

Non-Union Full-Time Employees

Time Away from Work:

Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire.

Years of Service

Positions in Grades 01H-06

Positions in Grades

07H-14-14MT-15MT

Positions in Grades

16H-17MT

Positions in Grades

07H1-081 (10hr/day)

New hire- 5 years

21 days

26 days

31 days

18 days

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year.

Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire.

Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan.

Benefit

Coverage Tiers Available

HMO Employee Cost (biweekly)

PPO Employee Cost (biweekly)

Medical Insurance

Employee, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family

$48.82- $199.53

$75.12- $296.58

Common Medical Event

HMO

PPO

Annual Deductible

$250 Individual/ $500 Family

In-Network: $750 Individual / $1,500 Family

Out-of-Network: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family

Out-of-pocket-maximum

$1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family

Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family

In-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family

Out-of-Network: $4,000 Individual / $8,000 Family

Doctors Visits

$40/ PCP visit

$60/ Specialist visit

No Charge: Preventive care/screening/

immunization

$30/ PCP visit; deductible does not apply

$50/ Specialist visit; deductible does not apply

No Charge: Preventive care/screening/

immunization; deductible does not apply.

Hospitalization

Facility Fee: $250/admission plus 20% coinsurance

Physician/surgeon fees: No charge

Facility Fee: 20% co-insurance

Physician/surgeon fee: 20% co-insurance

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested.

Employer-Paid Income Protection: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance.

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.

Voluntary Benefits:

• Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance
• Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

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.

Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.