17-Nov-2023

2586BR

Seasonal

Job Function and Responsibilities

This position encompasses two areas in the zoo:
Wild Encounters, where families can feed birds in our large aviary; visit, pet, and feed our adorable goats; visit the llamas, alpacas, reindeer, and visit wallaby walk.
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.

Ability to work effectively with children and families and experience with public speaking skills and public interaction are very helpful in this position!

Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year. Seasonal Animal Care positions require the ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays and evenings. This position also requires that you be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. This is a temporary (seasonal) position beginning in January 2024, in our Wild Encounters department. The starting wage is $15.00 per hour, per union contract.


Seasonal Animal Care staff 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 Animal Care staff will work in public areas and will interact with guests.

Position Requirements and Specifications

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. Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred. 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.

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.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Animal Care and Programs

Group

Animal Care and Programs

Union Status

Union

Work Shift

Rotating Schedule