Job Description
Join the PRIDE!
Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago 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; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
Our Aquatics team’s mission is to connect guests with aquatic life, lead in animal welfare, and advance conservation locally and globally through education, hands-on action, and teamwork. If you share our passion for aquatic animals and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and join us as we lead the next wave of positive change at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
This is a seasonal union hourly position, grade U710 with a pay rate of $15.00 per hour.
Expected start date is in April, 2026.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing general high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area under close supervision. Informs, assists, and directs guests as necessary to provide a great guest experience.
Primary job duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
1. *Cleans animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
2. *Prepares and distributes food as directed.
3. *Observes assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively reports to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observes condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keeps animal records as assigned.
4. *Performs routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
5. *Communicates with and assists guests. Takes initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
6. *Demonstrates knowledge of and implements BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
7. *Monitors and cleans public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Reports maintenance needs timely. Performs minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
8. *Monitors visitors to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property.
9. *Studies specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Reads other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
10. Other related duties as assigned.
* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
Position requirements:
• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• For Marine Aquatic Animal Care Specialist positions, SCUBA Certification is required upon hire
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus
Additional information:
This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of the mission, vision, and values, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property. Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these timely as appropriate. Primary contacts include BZC staff, professional associates, volunteers, interns, and guests. Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must possess ability to adjust quickly to changes, and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.
Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialists 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. This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition number 317.
This is a seasonal union hourly position, grade U710 with a pay rate of $15.00 per hour.
Benefits Summary
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer.
Union Seasonal Employees
Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.
The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.
