Theanimals living in Wild Encounters represent species that come from all over theworld, including the frigid northern tundra, the towering Andes, and theAustralian Outback, in this over 3 acre exhibit geared toward guests of allages. It features unforgettable hands-onexperiences that include opportunities for guests to touch and feed animals, includingparakeets and goats. Guests can also seered pandas, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, emu, and reindeer, along withadditional up-close encounters with other animal ambassadors. Asa Zookeeper in Wild Encounters, you will, under close supervision, providegeneral care for animals and performs related work of maintaining buildings,grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. As a Zookeeper, you will also inform, assist, and direct guests asnecessary. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and areaemergency procedures as directed.
Thesuccessful candidate will be expected to observe assigned animals closely,routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, andwelfare; keep animal records as assigned; clean animal enclosures, pools, andservice areas; prepare and distribute food as directed; study specificreference materials about animals in assigned area; read other zoological andhusbandry texts as assigned; perform routines of assigned areas and specializedprocedures as directed; observe condition of assigned area(s), animalenclosures, and equipment; monitor and clean public space(s), plants, andinterpretives as assigned. Report maintenanceneeds and perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
Monitorguests to insure animal and human safety and protection of Societyproperty. Communicate with and assistguests. Take initiative to facilitateguests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit. And other relatedduties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The
requirements for this position include Bachelor's degree in relevant biological
field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or
equivalent animal experience required. Experience
with native North American and/or farm animals preferred. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or
animal husbandry preferred. Must be
capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.

Must
learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly. Ability to work in a
fast pace and ever-changing work group preferred. Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound independent
judgments.

Incumbent
must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and
the ability to work with live animals safely.
Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors
and conditions. Strong operant conditioning skills a plus. Strong public speaking skills preferred;
experience and enjoyment with public speaking skills and public interaction
preferred. Good interpersonal
skills. The ability to interact in a
courteous and professional manner. Successful candidate will be able to work
effectively with children and families.

Incumbent
must have or acquire general knowledge about the Society, gain an understanding
of the Society's mission, and become familiar with and follow Society policies
and procedures. Incumbent must develop
proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as
directed. Incumbent must demonstrate the
ability to accurately perform job duties.
Must be reliable.

Valid
driver's license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid
out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Must be able to read, write, and speak the
English language fluently. Spanish
fluency a plus, but not required.

Additional Information
This
is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and
evenings.

The
Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. layout-grid-mode:both">

layout-grid-mode:both">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/careers . Please look for requisition number 1459BR.