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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
LPLincoln Park Zoological Society
Lincoln Park Zoological Society•Zoo

Animal Keeper

Carnivores

Location

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

$31 - $31 per hour

Posted

2d ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Keeper - Carnivores participates in all aspects of daily animal care and enclosure maintenance for species like African lions, snow leopards, and polar bears. This role involves cleaning, feeding, training, enrichment, record keeping, and monitoring animal health, working in a team-oriented environment to ensure high standards of animal welfare and guest experience.

General Summary Under general supervision, participates in daily animal care and enclosure maintenance within a team setting focused on progressive welfare standards. Species include African lions, snow leopards, red pandas, Canada lynx, harbor seals, grey seals, brown bears, and polar bear.

Essential Functions

  • Provide daily care: feeding, watering, securing, cleaning, observing, enrichment, training, and habitat maintenance.

  • Conduct daily operant conditioning sessions, formulate training plans, and track behavior logs.

  • Design, implement, and evaluate goal-based enrichment plans.

  • Track behavioral data using ZooMonitor and participate in welfare assessments.

  • Prepare and distribute prescribed diets; administer veterinary therapeutics under supervision.

  • Clean exhibits using specialized equipment and approved chemical agents; assist with minor repairs and landscaping.

  • Log daily records and health updates in the TRACKS system; report concerns promptly.

  • Safely handle, restrain, and transport animals under supervision; participate in animal escape drills.

  • Perform heavy manual tasks, including moving equipment, food supplies, and crated animals.

  • Support guest interactions, educational tours, conservation research, and intern or new keeper onboarding.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Conduct animal observation rounds during evening or overnight shifts if assigned.

  • Complete general operational tasks across various animal sections as directed.

  • Work variable schedules including holidays, weekends, and emergency shifts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of modern zoological husbandry, natural history, animal biology, and operant conditioning.

  • Awareness of occupational safety practices when working near dangerous or unpredictable wildlife.

  • Competence using cleaning agents, heavy tools, restraint equipment, and squeeze cages safely.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and intranet systems.

  • Ability to make accurate behavioral observations, maintain records, and respond calmly during emergencies.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Education: High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or related discipline preferred.

  • Experience: Prior animal care experience in an AZA-accredited facility or equivalent preferred; background in designated taxonomic groups, operant conditioning, and enrichment highly desirable.

  • Physical Demands: Must stand for long periods; climb, bend, crawl, and kneel; lift and move up to 50 lbs regularly; work in confined spaces and all weather conditions. Swimming ability may be required.

  • Sensory/Medical: No disabling allergies to animals or plants; unimpaired sensory and motor faculties necessary for safety; valid immune response against zoonotic exposure; proof of negative TB test.

  • Logistics: Valid driver license preferred; flexibility to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits Overview

  • Medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match; HSA contribution on select medical plans.

  • Free admission to participating Chicago cultural institutions.

  • Free on-site parking with direct park and beach access.

  • Discounts on zoo dining, retail, and event tickets.

  • Professional development via LPZooU courses and quarterly staff events.

Updated 2d ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Behavioral Enrichment • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Problem Solving • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Computer Proficiency • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

Negative TB test • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$31 - $31 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Benefits and perks

Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationChicago, Illinois, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium • 7/10
physicalHigh • 9/10
cognitiveMedium • 7/10
executionHigh • 8/10
creativityMedium • 6/10
uncertaintyMedium • 6/10
communicationMedium • 7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Team size

Growing team

Location

Chicago, Illinois, 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, Illinois, United States • Full Time