Primates - Animal Care Specialist

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

Join the PRIDE!

Explore Tropic World and meet intelligent primates from three continents:
Venture from South America to Asia and on to Africa. Then be sure to visit our Western Lowland Gorillas in Bramsen Tropical Forest!

The Animal Care Specialist contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under direction of area supervisors, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct visitors as necessary. Perform routine duties with minimal supervision and new duties with detailed direction.

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.

The Animal Care Specialist - Primates is a full-time, hourly, union position grade U640 with a pay rate of $31.67 per hour. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• * Order, 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 as assigned.
• * Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• * Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.
• * 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.
• * Train and direct interns, seasonals, ACS aides, and volunteers as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Successful completion of Assistant Animal Care Specialist (“ACS”) probationary period or equivalent combination of training and/or experience in a zoo or aquarium required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, and general animal behavior and husbandry required.
• Solid interpersonal skills required.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Ability to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly, and complete tasks as needed.
• 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.
• Ability to accurately and proficiently perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a record of consistency and accuracy in performing job duties.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems, recommending ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations.
• Abi…