2023 Seasonal Animal Care Specialist, Ungulates

We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, have an exciting, fast-paced work environment, a family friendly atmosphere, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. Employees are committed to our important conservation mission. This position includes 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 many successful births to date.
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.
As 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 2023. The starting wage is $15.00 per hour per union contract.
This position is working with large and/or small hoofstock (exotic ungulates); capture and restraint skills and operant conditioning skills a plus.

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.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

Animal Care and Programs

Animal Care and Programs

Union