Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Join the PRIDE! We are looking for passionate, enthusiastic, hard-working, and caring individuals to be a part of our world-class team!

The animals living in Hamill Family Wild Encounters are truly an intercontinental group of creatures. They represent species that come from all over the world, including the frigid northern tundra, the towering Andes, and the Australian Outback. At just over three acres, this exhibit is geared toward guests of all ages and features unforgettable hands-on experiences that include opportunities to touch and feed animals, including parakeets and goats. Guests can also see red pandas, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, and reindeer. Plus, there are additional up-close encounters with other animal ambassadors.

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 in this area may work in public areas and may interact with guests.

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.

Education and Pre-requisites

This position is working with native some North American and/or farm animals, along with raptors, some small carnivores, and even some herps! Public speaking skills and public interaction with guests (children and families), and operant conditioning skills a plus.

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. Must be a minimum of 18 years or age. 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.

Valid driver’s license required. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability and Spanish fluency a plus.

Compensation and benefits

This is a temporary (seasonal) position. The union wage for this position is $12.00 per hour.

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 1966BR.