Facility
Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere. Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. We provide state-of-the-art care to thousands of animals representing over 500 species, and we are very customer focused as we host over 2 million guests each year. The success of the Chicago Zoological Society’s mission depends on our ability to inspire people to become conservation leaders. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation. We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation and involvement. Brookfield Zoo is a portal to nature: a place for knowledge, inspiration, and spiritual introspection; a place for families to have fun that leads to education, awareness, caring, and action. Dedicated staff also assist in contributing to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society’s mission and vision every day.
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.
As a Zookeeper in Fragile Kingdom you will, under close supervision, provide general care for animals and perform related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area(s). As a Zookeeper, you will also inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary. Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of large and small carnivores, in a zoo setting is preferred. You will study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area(s) and read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
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. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas.
Perform routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. Monitor guests to insure animal and human safety and protection of Society property. 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.
• 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, with small cats, binturongs, bush babies, and some herps in a zoo setting preferred.
• An understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs is desirable.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Incumbent must develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed, and must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
• 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.
• Must be reliable.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. The union contracted rate for this position is 21.70 per hour.
Application instructions
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.
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 1283BR.