Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Among its historical firsts are indoor multispecies exhibits, zoo nutrition residencies, and methods for animal husbandry. The Species Survival Plans, or SSPs, began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species at North American zoos and aquariums. Each SSP carefully manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. Beyond this, SSPs include a variety of other cooperative conservation activities, such as research, public education, reintroduction, and field projects. Currently, SSPs covering 184 species under 116 Species Survival Plans are administered by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, whose membership includes accredited zoos and aquariums throughout North America. Brookfield Zoo has many of these species in its collection. SSPs in this position's animal area include Okapi, Blue duiker, Yellow-backed duiker, red-flanked duiker, Black and Rufous Giant Elephant Shrew, Royal Antelope, White Stork, Red-billed hornbill, and Red river hog.

This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by, under direction of area supervisors, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct visitors as necessary. Perform routine duties with minimal supervision and new duties with detailed direction.

Primary job duties and responsibilities include order, prepare, and distribute food as directed. Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned. Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. Study specific reference materials and other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned to develop detailed and current knowledge of natural history, husbandry, and captive management of species and individuals in assigned areas. Perform area routines proficiently. Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures. Monitor visitors to insure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. Train and direct interns, seasonal keepers, keeper aides, and volunteers as assigned. Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
Position requirements and specifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. Successful completion of Assistant Keeper probationary period or equivalent combination of training and/or experience in a zoo or aquarium required.

Additional Information: This position requires experience with large and/or small hoofstock and will work primarily with Okapi, Duikers, Giant Elephant Shrews, and strongly prefers Warthog and Red River Hog experience. Large exotic ungulate experience and hoof maintenance skills are a plus. Operant conditioning experience and capture and restraint skills are preferred.

Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely. Solid interpersonal skills required. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to increase knowledge of natural history, zoology, and general animal husbandry of the species and individual animals in area(s) of experience. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly, and complete tasks as needed. Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments. Ability to perceive and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions. Incumbent must possess a general knowledge of Chicago Zoological Society, or must acquire general knowledge, gain an understanding of the Society's mission, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to develop proficiency, in performing assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a record of consistency and accuracy in performing job duties. Demonstrated ability to take initiative in identifying and solving problems, recommending ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to train, educate, and direct the basic work of seasonal employees and interns. 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. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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