Job Postings

Zookeeper, Carnivores

Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date
February 5, 2019
Description

Come work in Brookfield Zoo’s Clouded Leopard Rain Forest and Desert’s Edge! Our desert area currently includes Meerkats, Cape Porcupine, Caracal, Rock Hyrax, Bat-eared Fox, Moholi Bushbaby, Black-Footed Cats, and both Naked Mole-rats and Damaraland mole-rats. Our rain forest area includes numerous animals such as Yellow Spotted Climbing Toads, Mossy Frogs, Chinese Emperor Newts, Prevost’s squirrels, Binturongs (including cubs!), Fishing Cats, turtles, snakes, and, of course, Clouded Leopards!

As a Zookeeper in our Fragile Kingdom area, you will be working with large and small carnivores. You will, under close supervision, provide general care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. As a Zookeeper, you will also inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

The successful candidate will be expected to: Prepare and distribute food as directed. Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned. Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned. Perform routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of Society property. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas.

Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. Other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

The requirements for this position include: Bachelor’s degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely. Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of large and small carnivores in a zoo setting preferred. Understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs desirable. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.

Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment preferred. Good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly. Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound independent judgments. Incumbent must have or acquire general knowledge about the Society, gain an understanding of the Society’s mission, and become familiar with and follow Society policies and procedures. Incumbent must develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties. Must be reliable. Valid driver’s license required. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.

This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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 1759BR.