The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo, is currently soliciting on-line applications from qualified and experienced animal care professionals for placement on a hiring list for temporary positions. The list will be used to select qualified candidates for temporary full-time zookeeper positions which arise due to employee absences, leaves, and position vacancies. These temporary assignments may range from several days or weeks to several months, or more, depending on the particular assignment. Placement on the temporary keeper hiring list does not guarantee employment.

Preferred animal experience: Experience working with reptiles and amphibians in a captive setting preferred; experience building and maintaining small aquatic systems also preferred.

CZS has nearly tripled our reptile and aquatics areas in size in the last five years and opportunity remains for increasing our collection size and focus as programs grow and continue to develop. We have started expanding our local herp/aquatic conservation projects which include species such as mud and Blanding's turtles, alligator snapping turtles, fine-lined skinks, and Massasauga rattlesnakes; we have added over 600 animals and 40 species in the last two years; we have expanded the displays by over 30% in the past two years; and we plan on adding an additional 15-20% in the next few years. Our exhibits range from 10 gallon invertebrate exhibits to a 60,000 gallon pacific coast exhibit, and we are expanding with smaller exhibits ranging from 10 to 800 gallons. Existing space is available to continue to expand off-exhibit breeding programs as well, including our sea horse and coral collections which, through controlling growth, we are now supplying to other institutions.

Qualified individuals selected for consideration will be placed on the list for a period of up to six (6) months and may be contacted for temporary positions as they become available during that time. Individuals wishing to be considered for a longer period of time must reapply to be considered.

Placement on the list will be based on the Society's assessment of each candidate's skills, experience, ability, training, availability and other job-related criteria. Consideration for individual temporary openings will be based on the candidate's suitability for the specific opening involved. The current pay rate for these union positions is $21.70/hour. Fringe benefits include only 401k plan and paid time off. Temporary full-time Keepers receive valuable hands-on zookeeping experience, and they may apply and be considered for openings for regular, full-time zookeeper positions as they become available.

Position Requirements and Specifications

Temporary zookeepers generally must be available to begin within 14 calendar days or less of receiving notice and must be able to work rotating schedules, which includes weekends and holidays. A Bachelor's Degree in zoology, animal science, or other related biological field is preferred, a practical understanding of the principles of animal behavior, good interpersonal, communication and decision making skills, and a valid driver's license. Prior experience as a zookeeper or in an animal care facility, farm, kennel or other relevant experience is required. Additional qualifications and experience may be preferred or required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the keeper will be working. Generally, previous experience working with those animals will be preferred.

All candidates selected for the Temporary Keeper Hiring List must undergo a complete background and professional reference check, and those who are hired will be required to pass a post-offer physical exam.

In order to be considered, submit your on-line application for this opportunity and each animal area of interest no later than April 2, 2017 . Please visit the CZS Career Center www.czs.org/careers to obtain more details about the Temporary Keeper Hiring List opportunities and to apply by submitting your profile.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/czs/careers . Please look for requisition 1362BR.