Assistant Animal Care Specialist, Small Mammals / Carnivores

Come work in Brookfield Zoo’s Carnivore/Small Mammal department where our department includes our desert with Meerkats, Cape Porcupine, Coati, Ocelot, Bat-eared Fox, Genet, Sand Cat, and mole-rats; and our forest area including Prevost’s squirrels, Binturongs, Fishing Cats, Clouded Leopards; and an Australian area including Echidna, Kangaroos, Wallabies and Wombat.

This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

Primary duties and responsibilities:
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. Prepare and distribute food as directed. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas. 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. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency 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. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Other related duties as assigned.

Position requirements:

• Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.

Must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently; learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly; develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed; and demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties and be reliable. Must be alert and make sound independent judgments. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.

Good interpersonal skills and decision-making skills required. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. 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.

Valid driver’s license required. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.

Additional Information:

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

Assistant Animal Care Specialist is a one-year probationary position to attain Animal Care Specialist status. Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. These positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. May be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform.

The current 2023 pay rate for this union position is $25.61 per hour.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

Animal Care and Programs

Animal Care and Programs

Union

Rotating Schedule