Primates - Assistant Animal Care Specialist

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species.  Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!    \

BASIC FUNCTION:                        

• This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performs 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 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 BZC property.
• Communicate with and assist guests. 
• Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
• Other related duties as assigned. 

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• High school graduate or GED equivalent 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.
• 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.
• Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
• Incumbent must have or acquire general knowledge about BZC, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, and become familiar with and follow BZC policies and procedures.
• Incumbent must develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
• Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• 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:

• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Further Comments

• Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position.
• This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

Salary

• 26.38/hour per union contract