Zoo Nutrition Services - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfieldzoo; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a prestigious institution known for its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. As an Animal Care Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the zoo's inhabitants by preparing and delivering food, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting high standards of animal care. This seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you can engage with diverse audiences and contribute to wildlife protection programs. If you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a difference, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Assistance Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Discounted Day Care

Employee Discounts

Free Admission to Cultural Institutions

Free Notary Public Service

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Understanding of nutrition principles and food service required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal areas daily.
• Clean equipment and storage areas according to sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Cultural Competency

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Field

Job description

Zoo Nutrition Services - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Req #159

Join the PRIDE!

Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by being responsible for receiving, preparation, and delivery of food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas using established sanitation and cleanliness guidelines, while under close supervision, in order to promote and support high standards of animal welfare.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Assists with preparation of various Nutrition Services food/diets/supplements in accordance with Nutrition Services protocols.
• Accurately and efficiently prepares and delivers food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas daily as directed.
• Cleans equipment and ZNS Commissary building according to Nutrition Services sanitation and USDA guidelines.
• Receives and properly stores items delivered to the Nutrition Services Commissary. Reports suspect food and unusable items to supervisor immediately.
• Learns and completes diet change forms, labels, protocols, and any other written work as assigned.
• Assists with unloading of bulk shipments of food items including, but not limited to, produce, hay, bedding, and bagged foods.
• Observes the condition of all work areas and reports any maintenance needs or other issues to supervisor.
• Communicates with and assists vendors as needed.
• Communicates with and assists guests. While aiding in deliveries within the park or while interacting with guests during tours of the commissary (e.g., Window tours, VIP tours, Trustee tours, etc.), takes initiative to interact with guests and facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
• Other related duties as assigned.

* Essential Job Functions

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) required.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner required.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria experience helpful.
• Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery helpful.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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. Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) and gain an understanding of the mission, vision, and values, and become familiar with and follow applicable policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Incumbent is responsible for care and proper use of equipment and property. Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc. as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these timely as appropriate. Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must possess ability to adjust quickly to change and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

ZNS Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to mechanized equipment and machinery. This position has very little contact with animals. Animal Care Specialist positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee’s ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law.

This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Each position is 20 hours per week.

The schedule is 6 – 2:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and 6 – 10 Wednesdays and Saturdays.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 159.

BENEFITS INFORMATION:

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits. Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Seasonal Employees

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master’s degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Tuition Reimbursement

Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children’s Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from “Working Advantage,” an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC’s policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a “Freebie” table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a “Little Free Library” book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.