Primate Assistant Animal Care Specialist

Explore Tropic World and meet intelligent primates from three continents. Your first stop is South America where you will meet black-handed spider monkeys, callimico, sloths, and more. Next, venture in the serene comfort of Asia and get to know orangutans and white-cheeked gibbons. You might also catch a glimpse of the Asian small-clawed otters scurrying about trying not to be noticed. Finally, journey through the tropical forest of Africa and encounter colobus monkey, swamp monkeys, and guenons. Take a few more steps and you’ll meet our troop of Western lowland gorillas.

Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of primates in a zoo setting preferred. Understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs also desirable, along with the

ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment.

As an Assistant Animal Care Specialist in Primates, you will, under close supervision, provide general care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area.  As a Zookeeper, you will also inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

The successful candidate will be expected to: Prepare and distribute food as directed.  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.  Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned.  Report maintenance needs.  Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned.  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.

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.  Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.  Other related duties as assigned. 

Experience Required

• The requirements for this position include: Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required.
• Incumbent 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. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Must be reliable.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Must be alert and make sound independent judgments.
• 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.
• Must develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. Valid driver’s license required. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.

Further Comments

This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Perks

Benefits, 401K, PTO

Salary

$25.61 per hour per union contract