Temporary List, Animal Care Specialist Aides in Birds

Temporary Hiring List, Animal Care Specialist Aides in Birds

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Posted Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Join the PRIDE!

Submit your on-line application for this opportunity no later than March 8, 2026!

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is currently soliciting on-line applications from qualified and experienced animal care professionals for placement on our hiring list for temporary (aide) positions. The list will be used to select candidates for temporary full-time animal care specialist aide positions which arise due to employee absences, leaves, and position vacancies, between 6/1/26 and 11/30/26. These temporary assignments may range from several days or weeks to several months, or more, depending on the particular assignment.

Placement on the temporary hiring list does not guarantee employment.

At the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, we are firmly dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of avian populations. Our innovative conservation and research initiatives significantly enhance avian care. Our objectives extend beyond basic avian care; we strive to cultivate a deep appreciation for bird species while implementing meaningful change for birds in managed environments and their natural habitats.

We are committed to establishing ourselves as a recognized industry leader and advancing the future of avian care. Our emphasis on mentorship and staff development is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in the zoological community, thereby ensuring the continuous progress of our vision, mission, and goals.

If offered a role, this is a full-time, temporary, union aide position, primarily in our bird department, with a starting pay rate of $27.17 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire, along with monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the union temporary aide employee section) can be found below.

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.

Position requirements and specifications:

• 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…