Animal Care Specialist; Temp

John G Shedd Aquarium Animal Care Specialist (3-Month Temp)

DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium Team
REPORTS TO: Director of Animal Care & Behavioral Training
STATUS: Full-time, Temp, Non-Exempt
DURATION: 3 Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hour

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for assisting in the overall care of animals in the Oceanarium department. The department consists of teams that care for Cetaceans, Penguins and Otters, Sea lions, and Animal Ambassadors. The role focuses on learning the skill set for caring for animals while also providing an educational experience for visitors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Assist in ensuring the health and well-being of the animal collection.
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals, staff, and aquarium guests.
• Prepare diets for all animals, including handling fish, thawing, sorting, weighing, cutting, formula preparation, vitamin administration, heavy lifting, and frequent exposure to cold temperatures.
• Interact with guests daily by answering questions about the animals and the facility.
• Engage in regular interactions with some of the animals under direction of experienced staff, including training sessions, physical exams, public presentations, and play sessions.
• Perform various tasks including evening functions, special employee trainings and seminars, special maintenance or construction projects.
• Attend scheduled meetings for intra-departmental communication.
• Maintain detailed records of all animal interactions and observations.
• Embrace a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and non-standardized hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related area is preferred. (Equivalent experience will be considered.)

Experience:

• 1+ year of animal experience, which can include volunteering, an internship, or other animal care experience.
• Experience with Cetaceans, Penguins and Otters, Sea lions, and Animal Ambassadors is a plus.

Designations/

Certifications:

• Open water diving certification not required for temporary roles.
• Advancement into regular status roles will require certification, or the ability to obtain certification within one year.

Other Skills and Characteristics:

• Competent swimmer.
• Ability to work well with others in a diverse team environment and communicate proficiently with colleagues and guests.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to receive and apply feedback.
• Demonstrates commitment to growth.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work in an environment with daily exposure to cold salt water.
• Daily lifting in excess of 40 pounds, periodic lifting up to 50 pounds.

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization, accrued paid time off, 401(k), discounted parking and public transit subsidies, employee assistance program, employee wellness program, employee discounts, employee tickets. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

$20.00/hour

Please apply directly through the job link: https://she

John G Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605