Share your passion for animals and conservation!

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

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. The Society 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.

The Roving Naturalist is responsible for engaging Zoo guests in celebrating animals and nature by providing all Zoo guests with the opportunity to have a quality, close-up encounter with, but not limited to a variety of domestic and exotic animals. This may include reptiles such as blue tongue skink, bearded dragon, or corn snakes. Create extraordinary guest experiences by providing informative and innovative education to increase guests' appreciation of animals and nature though close-up animal encounters and animal-related chats. The Roving Naturalist will also participate in outreach events off zoo grounds.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This
position does require flexible availability to work any five days out
of seven days each week with work shifts that are generally from four to
eight hours in length. Roving Naturalists are assigned to work
outdoors at a variety of locations along pathways and throughout the
Zoo. This position lasts primarily between April and September
depending on the needs of the operation. Incumbent must have the ability
to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This is a temporary position. The starting wage for this position is $9.75 per
hour.

The requirements for this position include:

• Minimum one year of college required with coursework in life sciences preferred or an equivalent combination of training and/or work experience in an informal educational setting, ideally at a zoo, aquarium, or nature center providing quality interpretive experiences.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of the public and using a microphone.
• Must be outgoing, able to work well with others, follow directions carefully, and able to work independently with little supervision.
• Must be willing and able to work with a variety of invertebrates, including arachnids, crustaceans and insects, as well as reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as a variety of exotic and domestic animals.
• Must be open to new experiences.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
This requisition is to actively recruit for multiple temporary openings with anticipated start dates in April/May 2015.

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