Temporary Hiring List - Animal Care Specialists - Zoo Nutrition Services

Join the PRIDE!  

Submit your on-line application for this opportunity no later than October 27, 2024!

An understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing is required; food product or food handling experience or nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria equivalent experience preferred. Prior experience as a zookeeper with animal diet preparation is preferred. A Temporary position in Zoo Nutrition Services does not include contact with animals.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is currently soliciting on-line applications from qualified and experienced animal care professionals for placement on our hiring list for temporary (aide) positions.  The list will be used to select candidates for temporary full-time animal care specialist aide 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 hiring list does not guarantee employment.

Qualified individuals selected for consideration will be placed on the list for a period of up to 6 months, covering December 2024 through May 2025.  These individuals 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!

Placement on the list will be based on Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s assessment of each candidate’s skills, experience, ability, training, availability, and other job-related criteria.  The pay rate for these union positions, is $26.38 per hour.  Fringe benefits include only 401K and paid time off.  Temporary full-time Animal Care Specialist Aides receive valuable hands-on zookeeping experience and may apply and be considered for regular, full-time animal care positions as they become available.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Assist with preparation of various Zoo Nutrition Services (ZNS) food/diets/supplements in accordance with Nutrition Services protocols.

2.      Prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas daily as directed.

3.  Clean equipment and ZNS Commissary building according to Nutrition Services sanitation and USDA guidelines.

4.  Receive and store items delivered to the Nutrition Services Commissary. Report suspect food and unusable items to supervisor immediately.

5.  Learn and complete diet change forms, labels, protocols, and any other written work as assigned.

6.  Assist with unloading of bulk shipments of food items including, but not limited to produce, hay, bedding, and bagged foods.

7.  Observe the condition of all work areas and report any maintenance needs to the supervisor.

8.  Communicate with and assist vendors as needed. 

9.   Communicate with and assist guests.  Take the initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.

10.  Other related duties as assigned. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing.

• Good interpersonal and communications skills. Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments.

• Ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Must be reliable.

• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required. 

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Relevant experience working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago a plus (includes BZC employment and other experience such as relevant volunteer and/or intern experience).
• Food product or food handling experience or nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria equivalent experience preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery is helpful.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

If hired to an aide role, this becomes a full-time, temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.  Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about BZC operations, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Nutrition Service Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to mechanized equipment and machinery. Position involves very little contact with animals. Animal Care Specialist positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary.

All candidates selected to the Temporary Hiring Lists must undergo a complete background and professional reference check to be included on the list, following interviews. 

In order to be considered, submit your on-line application for this opportunity, and each animal area of interest, no later than October 27, 2024.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.