Job Postings

Temporary Keeper Hiring List – Wild Encounters/Ambassador/Play Zoo

Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date
September 30, 2019
Description

The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo, is currently soliciting on-line applications from qualified and experienced animal care professionals for placement on a hiring list for temporary positions. The list will be used to select qualified candidates for temporary full-time zookeeper positions which arise due to employee absences, leaves, and position vacancies. These temporary assignments may range from several days or weeks to several months, or more, depending on the particular assignment. Placement on the temporary keeper hiring list does not guarantee employment.

Preferred animal experience: Strong public speaking and interaction skills preferred as is ability to work effectively with children and families. Solid operant conditioning skills a plus.

In July 2001, Chicago Zoological Society embarked on creating a revolutionary zoo experience for families. The result is Hamill Family Play Zoo, an interactive play adventure filled with animals, plants, and people that engages children and families helping to develop caring attitudes towards the natural world. The Play Zoo lets children touch animals, paint murals, plant gardens, discover insects and so much more. It is an amazingly fun way to connect with nature. With approximately 300 individual animals representing 58 species, children also have an opportunity to connect with a variety of animals in a unique setting.

And in July 2015, Wild Encounters was opened and our Animal Ambassador program began. More than 70 individual animal ambassadors representing nearly 40 species occupy the holding areas, which are specifically dedicated to reptiles, birds, and small mammals. There is also an outdoor bird mew and an area for larger animals with adjacent outdoor access.

Qualified individuals selected for consideration will be placed on the list for a period of up to six (6) months and may be contacted for temporary positions as they become available during that time. Individuals wishing to be considered for a longer period of time must reapply to be considered.

Placement on the list will be based on the Society’s assessment of each candidate’s skills, experience, ability, training, availability and other job-related criteria. Consideration for individual temporary openings will be based on the candidate’s suitability for the specific opening involved.

Education and Pre-requisites

Temporary zookeepers generally must be available to begin within 14 calendar days or less of receiving notice and must be able to work rotating schedules, which includes weekends and holidays. A Bachelor’s Degree in zoology, animal science, or other related biological field is preferred, a practical understanding of the principles of animal behavior, good interpersonal, communication and decision making skills, and a valid driver’s license. Prior experience as a zookeeper or in an animal care facility, farm, kennel or other relevant experience is required. Additional qualifications and experience may be preferred or required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the keeper will be working. Generally, previous experience working with those animals will be preferred.

All candidates selected for the Temporary Keeper Hiring List must undergo a complete background and professional reference check, and those who are hired will be required to pass a post-offer physical exam.

Compensation and benefits

The current pay rate for these union positions is $22.57/hour. Fringe benefits include only 401k plan and paid time off. Temporary full-time Keepers receive valuable hands-on zoo keeping experience, and they may apply and be considered for openings for regular, full-time zookeeper positions as they become available.

Application instructions

In order to be considered, submit your on-line application for this opportunity and each animal area of interest no later than September 30, 2019. Please visit the CZS Career Center www.czs.org/careers to obtain more details about the Temporary Keeper Hiring List opportunities and to apply by submitting your profile.

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/czs/careers. Please look for requisition 1929BR.