Facility

Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo

Closing Date

Description

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, cotton top tamarins, 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. Take a few more steps and you’ll meet our troop of Western lowland gorillas.

The Keeper Aide, Primates (temporary) contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society 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.

The successful candidate will: 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. Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Read other zoological and husbandry texts 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 Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. Other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

Preferred animal experience: Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of primates in a zoo setting preferred with ape experience desirable. Understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs also desirable.

High school graduate or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred. Animal care facility, farm or kennel, or other equivalent animal experience required. This position prefers diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of primates, including apes, in a zoo setting. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.

Good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly. Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgment. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to accurately perform job duties. Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about the Chicago Zoological Society, gain an understanding of the Society’s mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Must be reliable.

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. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 1494BR.