Animal Keeper
Outdoor Birds
Location
Chicago, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3-5 years
Compensation
$31 - $31 per hour
Posted
7h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This role involves daily animal care and enclosure maintenance for outdoor birds, including Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, animal training, enrichment, record keeping, and guest interaction, all while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and safety.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under general supervision, performs daily animal care and enclosure maintenance for Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Supports high standards of animal health, safety, welfare, enrichment, training, and guest engagement. Experience with diverse bird species, egg incubation, and hand-rearing is preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides daily feeding, watering, cleaning, observation, animal training, enrichment, record keeping, and exhibit maintenance. Participates in operant conditioning sessions, develops training plans, maintains training records, and advances behavioral enrichment programs. Participates in welfare assessments and implements assigned action items. Collects ZooMonitor data and maintains accurate records in TRACKS.
Prepares prescribed animal diets and, under supervision, administers veterinary therapeutics. Monitors animal health and promptly reports abnormalities to management. Makes recommendations regarding diets, habitats, and exhibit improvements and assists with implementation. Maintains exhibits, habitats, equipment, tools, supplies, and safe work areas. Performs cleaning and minor repairs and submits work orders as needed.
Handles food items, hoses, hay, equipment, chemicals, and crated animals safely. Follows animal handling and safety procedures and participates in escape drills. Under supervision, assists with capturing, restraining, and transporting animals.
Supports education programs, tours, research, conservation, science, horticulture, learning, and community engagement activities. Promotes positive guest experiences and a productive team environment. Supports lead staff in training new employees and temporary keepers. Performs other duties as assigned and works required shifts, including weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and special events.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, natural history, enrichment, operant conditioning, welfare, safety practices, cleaning methods, tools, and equipment. Strong observation, documentation, organization, communication, teamwork, judgment, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work safely around potentially dangerous animals, machinery, chemicals, medications, and animal-handling equipment. Basic proficiency with Word, Excel, and internet/intranet systems.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GED required. Degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a related field preferred. Zoo, aquarium, or comparable animal-care experience highly desirable. Experience with birds, operant conditioning, goal-based enrichment, egg incubation, and hand-rearing preferred.
PHYSICAL AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly climb, bend, kneel, twist, reach, crawl, and work in confined spaces. Must work outdoors in all weather conditions, frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds, and wear required PPE. Ability to swim may be required. Must be available for all shifts, weekends, holidays, special events, and required training. Valid driver’s license with good driving record preferred. Proof of negative TB test required.
COMPENSATION
$31.06/hour. Regular full-time employees receive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 403(b) benefits with institutional match, plus cultural institution admission, on-site parking, zoo and event discounts, staff educational programs, and Health Savings Account contributions for Medical PPO participants.
Updated 7h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
3-5 years
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$31 - $31 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Lincoln Park Zoological Society
Team size
Growing team
Location
Chicago, United States
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.
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Animal Keeper
Chicago, United States • Full Time