The Brookfield Zoo bird collection is focused on population sustainability and the continued development and improvement of avian husbandry standards. Being a northern institution where a large portion of our birds are housed indoors much of our collection is comprised of passerines. We maintain a large number of off exhibit breeding aviaries where we work with multiple pairs of many of the species housed at the Zoo. We have a strong presence in the AZA bird community, managing the SSP's for the blue-bellied roller, red-capped cardinal, blue-grey tanager, and superb starling as well as the studbook for the Humboldt penguin. We also have strong involvement in the ASAG (Avian Scientific Advisory Group) and the PACCT (Passeriformes, Apodiformes, Coliiformes, Caprimulgiformes, and Trogoniformes) TAG.

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.

Position Requirements and Specifications

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.

Preferred animal experience: Prior experience working with birds in a captive setting preferred.

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.

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 drivers 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.

Additional Information
In order to be considered, submit your on-line application for this opportunity and each animal area of interest no later than September 24, 2017. Please visit the CZS Career Center www.czs.org/careers to obtain more details about the Temporary Keeper Hiring opportunities and to apply by submitting your profile.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 1470BR.