Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date

Description

As one of the top zoos with over 450 species of animals, Seasonal Keepers receive valuable hands-on zookeeping experience while providing high-quality care for the welfare of the collection. You will demonstrate your practical understanding of animal behavior, ability to work with live animals safely, and attention to details while closely observing assigned animals, carefully observing the condition of the assigned area and animal enclosures, and maintaining animal record documentation as assigned. Your friendly demeanor, good interpersonal skills and outstanding communication skills will contribute to creating an extraordinary guest experience as Seasonal Keepers may work in public areas and may interact with guests.

We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, have an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. This position includes all outdoor exhibits in all extremes of Chicago weather! This area boasts numerous animals currently involved in SSPs including Grevy’s zebra, addax, Przewalski’s horse, Southern Gerenuk, warthog, waterbuck, and okapi. This team has a long history of innovation and success and, in fact, was the site of the first okapi birth in North America in 1959. This position is working with large and/or small hoofstock (exotic ungulates); capture and restraint skills and operant conditioning skills a plus.

As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, Seasonal Keeper positions require the ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays and evenings. This position also requires that you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. This is a temporary (seasonal) position to start in late August/early September 2019.

Education and Pre-requisites

The requirements for this position include: High school graduate or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred. Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.

Good interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly. Must be reliable. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.

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. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability and Spanish fluency a plus.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 1915BR.