Temporary Hiring List – Animal Care Specialists – Herps and Freshwater Fish

Submit your on-line application for this opportunity no later than October 10, 2024!

Preferred animal experience: Experience working with reptiles and amphibians in a captive setting preferred; experience building and maintaining small aquatic systems also preferred.

We have started expanding our local herp/aquatic conservation projects which include species such as Blanding’s turtles and Massasauga rattlesnakes; we have added many new species in the last two years, and more are on the way! Our exhibits range from 10-gallon invertebrate exhibits to a 60,000 gallon pacific coast exhibit, and we are expanding with smaller exhibits ranging from 10 to 800 gallons. Existing space is available to continue to expand off-exhibit breeding programs as well, including several new and exciting reptiles and amphibians coming on-line this year.

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.

Temporary animal care specialist aides generally must be available to being within 14 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 biological field is preferred; a practical understanding of the principles of animal behavior; good interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; and a valid driver’s license are required.  Prior experience as a zookeeper or in an animal care facility, farm, kennel or other relevant experience is required.  Additional qualification and experience may be preferred or required depending upon the specific animals and work area.  Generally, previous experience working with those animals will be preferred.

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 10, 2024.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

000890