Facility
Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.
Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Chicago Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world and we have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs. The animals at Brookfield Zoo are ambassadors to those in the wild and through care and breeding and, in some cases, reintroduction to their natural habitat, we replenish nature many times over. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Humane Association, Brookfield Zoo provides state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs to thousands of animals representing over 500 species.
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 and has had 27 successful births to date. Equid experience, ungulate hand-rearing experience, operant conditioning, capture and restraint, and hoof care skills, are a plus.
As a Zookeeper in Mammals, 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 and report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare; and keep animal records as assigned. Additionally, the zookeeper will observe the condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment; monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned; report maintenance needs and perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned; clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas. Also expected will be to study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area and 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; 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; and other related duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
The requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience; 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. Also required: knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred; must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently; must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly; and must have the ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
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 develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed; and demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
This zookeeper must be reliable, have good interpersonal and decision-making skills, the ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner, and must be alert and make sound independent judgments. A valid driver’s license is 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 is a plus, but is not required.
This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Compensation and benefits
Zookeeper: $21.70/hour per union contract
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 1232BR.