The Chicago Zoological Society is a leading conservation organization and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a family friendly atmosphere. We are very customer focused, as we host over 2 million guests to Brookfield Zoo each year. We are committed to conservation in the broadest sense, and we take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation. Our employees enjoy a unique work environment in a beautiful park-like setting that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. At Brookfield Zoo, we work hard and we play hard! Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Talent Acquisition Specialist works with hiring managers to proactively and expediently identify and acquire talent to fill a large volume of staffing requisitions through a wide range of value-added recruitment-related activities assuring the best qualified candidates are sourced and hired in an expedient and quality fashion to help shape a diverse workforce of excellence while also assuring organizational fit with the Society's mission, vision, values, and success factors. The Talent Acquisition Specialist will assist with and perform daily recruitment activities with a sense of urgency for high-volume (non-exempt/hourly) positions full-life cycle including, but not limited to: posting, sourcing, screening, conducting phone screens, scheduling and hosting interviews, coordinating and managing all logistical details, performing and documenting any required applicant testing, extending job offers, collecting and managing Background Check Authorization Forms, requesting and tracking background checks, coordination of post offer physicals, and other duties necessary to support and execute the recruitment function. This also includes active communication with candidates during the recruitment process and partnering with hiring managers throughout the process keeping them appropriately informed of the status of recruitment activities. The Talent Acquisition Specialist will assist in recruitment outreach, actively participate in job fairs and recruitment events in the community, and prepare and provide information about the organization and job opportunities to cultivate relationships with potential sources and candidates. Additional responsibilities include maintaining appropriate records and documentation of recruitment and other employment activities, decisions, and efforts as well as actively contributing toward recruiting metrics, such as cost per hire, time to fill, customer satisfaction, etc.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:

• Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, Human Resources, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or other relevant field or equivalent coursework in pertinent HR topics, behavioral interviewing training, AIRS training or certification, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.


• Three years directly relevant, comparable HR or recruitment required with a minimum two years experience directly related to high-volume recruitment.


• Must be able to manage a high volume of work with accuracy, have a keen sense of urgency, be able to meet critical deadlines and carry out assigned duties with minimal supervision. Must be able to identify tasks to be completed and move forward independently without prompting.


• Excellent detail orientation, organizational, follow-up, follow through, and prioritization skills required.


• Demonstrated initiative and ability to take action on information and resolve non-routine issues using sound business judgment.


• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and demonstrated experience using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) system required.


• Highly professional appearance and demeanor.


• Very strong customer service skills and focus.


• Strong communications skills, verbal, written and good listening skills.


• Demonstrated skills in building strong internal and external relationships. Must be able to easily develop rapport with staff at all levels.


• Team player with willingness to get involved and assume additional responsibilities.


• Ability to maintain highly confidential information.


• Must be able to reliably attend various recruitment and community outreach-related events, within the greater Chicago metropolitan area, transporting various recruitment collateral and other related material/equipment.


• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.


• 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.


• Regular workweeks of 40-45 hours+, including some evenings and weekends.

Additional Information
The desirable/preferred qualifications include:

• Experience using an HRIS system highly preferred.


• Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts, Human Resources, Behavioral Science, Psychology, or other closely related field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

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