Marine Mammals - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Street; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to animal care and guest experience! This seasonal position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, providing high-quality care for animals while engaging with visitors. You will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness, observing animal behavior, and assisting guests to enhance their zoo experience. With rotating shifts and a supportive team, this role is perfect for those passionate about wildlife and education. Enjoy competitive pay and a range of benefits while contributing to the mission of fostering appreciation for nature.

Benefits

Mental Health Support

401(k) Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Discounts on Events and Memberships

Employee Discounts at Zoo

Free Flu Vaccines

Reciprocal Cultural Institution Access

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Understanding of animal behavior and ability to work safely with live animals.
• SCUBA Certification required upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Clean animal enclosures and prepare food as directed.
• Observe animals and report health and welfare to supervisor.
• Assist guests and ensure safety of visitors and animals.

Skills

Animal Behavior Understanding

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Emergency Handling

Quick Learning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree or Relevant Coursework

Tools

SCUBA Certification

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Join the PRIDE!

This is a temporary/seasonal union position, primarily in our herps department, with a starting pay rate of $15.00 per hour. It requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees.

The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the seasonal employees section) is available in the Benefits Table and/or provided below after the job description. You can also view it online: Benefits PDF.

BASIC FUNCTION

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work such as maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in the assigned area. The role involves informing, assisting, and directing guests to enhance their experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
2. Prepare and distribute food as directed.
3. Observe assigned animals closely, report behaviors, health, and welfare to supervisor, and keep records as assigned.
4. Perform routines and specialized procedures as directed.
5. Assist guests, facilitating their appreciation of animals and enjoyment of the zoo.
6. Implement emergency procedures as directed.
7. Monitor and clean public spaces, report maintenance needs, and perform minor repairs.
8. Ensure safety of visitors, animals, and property.
9. Study reference materials about animals in the assigned area.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes essential job functions.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Understanding of animal behavior and ability to work safely with live animals.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or husbandry preferred.
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly.
• Reliable and quick to learn new information.
• English fluency required; cultural proficiency preferred.
• SCUBA Certification required upon hire.
• Valid driver's license required; Illinois residents must obtain Illinois license within 90 days.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or relevant coursework preferred.
• Minimum six months animal care experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, especially Spanish, a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Employees are expected to learn about BZC's mission, follow policies, and ensure safety. The role involves potential hazards from close animal contact and physical demands. Physical examinations and vaccinations may be required. The primary duties are outlined but not exhaustive.

Interested candidates should visit the BZC Career Center for application details: brookfieldzoo.org/careers, requisition number 181.

BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a range of benefits, which vary depending on union status and pay grade, including:

• Mental health support via Perspectives EAP, available at no cost.
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions after one year of service.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees

• Partnership with Project Dragonfly for a Master's degree program.
• Access to Brookfield Zoo University for free training and professional development.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Participation in the Access Credit Union.
• Discounts on Chicago Blackhawks games, Loyola Center for Fitness memberships, childcare, and more.
• Employee discounts at the zoo gift shop and restaurants, free flu vaccines, free admission and parking, reciprocal cultural institution access, notary services, book exchange, zoo camp discounts, and other perks.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.