Animal Care Specialist
Location
Brookfield, Illinois, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Contract
Experience
0-0 years
Compensation
$15 - $18 per hour
Posted
8h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This seasonal Animal Care Specialist role at Brookfield Zoo Chicago involves providing high-quality care for animals, including cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and observing their welfare. The position also entails maintaining assigned areas, monitoring public spaces, and engaging with guests to enhance their zoo experience.
BASIC FUNCTION:
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing general high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area under close supervision. Informs, assists, and directs guests as necessary to provide a great guest experience.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Cleans animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
Prepares and distributes food as directed.
Observes assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively reports to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observes condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keeps animal records as assigned.
Performs routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
Communicates with and assists guests. Takes initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
Demonstrates knowledge of and implements BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
Monitors and cleans public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Reports maintenance needs timely. Performs minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
Monitors visitors to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property.
Studies specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Reads other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Good interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Must be reliable.
Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This is a a seasonal, union, hourly position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialists positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures.
Benefits Summary
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer for a seasonal union hourly position.
Union Seasonal Employees
Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available.
Matching Contributions: First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.
Updated 8h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-0 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Contract
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$15 - $18 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Team size
Growing team
Location
Brookfield, Illinois, United States
At just over three acres, Hamill Family Wild Encounters is geared toward guests of all ages, and features unforgettable hands-on experiences that include opportunities to touch and feed animals, including parakeets and goats. You'll also get to see llamas, wallabies, and reindeer, plus enjoy Zoo Chats and Animal Ambassador appearances throughout the summer.
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Animal Care Specialist
Brookfield, Illinois, United States • Contract