Primates Animal Care Specialist Aide

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area.  Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
• 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 as assigned.
• Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. 
• Develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
• Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of property. 
• Communicate with and assist guests. 
• Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
• Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. 
• Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.   
• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Experience Required

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Animal care facility, farm or kennel, or other equivalent animal experience required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• 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 judgment.
• Ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures.
• Must be reliable.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. • Valid driver's license required.
• Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Further Comments

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This is a full-time, temporary 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.
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary

• 26.38/hour per union contract