Temporary List, Animal Care Specialist Aides, Primates

Overview

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is 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.

Location:

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

Job status:
This is a full-time, temporary, union aide position, primarily in the primate 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. Benefits summary information is provided below.

• 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 spaces, 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.

• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Animal care facility, farm or kennel, or other equivalent animal experience required.
• Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Good interpersonal skills; ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Calm and efficient in emergencies; ability to learn and integrate information quickly.
• Good decision-making skills and ability to exercise sound, independent judgment.
• Ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Desire to acquire general knowledge about the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, its mission, and policies including emergency procedures.
• Reliability; professional working proficiency in English.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license; for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; out-of-state license for out-of-state residents.

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

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.

This position includes responsibilities for safety and property; incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations and related tests as necessary by law or policy.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and use the Advanced Search…