Job Description

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This is a temporary/seasonal union position, primarily in our Zoo Nutrition Services department, with a starting pay rate of $15.00 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees. This position will start in April 2026. Schedule is projected to be 25 hours per week: 6am - 2:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 6am – 10am Wednesdays and Fridays. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the seasonal employees section), below.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by being responsible for receiving, preparation, and delivery of food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas using established sanitation and cleanliness guidelines, while under close supervision, in order to promote and support high standards of animal welfare.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

*Assists with preparation of various Nutrition Services food/diets/supplements in accordance with Nutrition Services protocols.
*Accurately and efficiently prepares and delivers food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas daily as directed.
*Cleans equipment and ZNS Commissary building according to Nutrition Services sanitation and USDA guidelines.
*Receives and properly stores items delivered to the Nutrition Services Commissary. Reports suspect food and unusable items to supervisor immediately.
*Learns and completes diet change forms, labels, protocols, and any other written work as assigned.
*Assists with unloading of bulk shipments of food items including, but not limited to, produce, hay, bedding, and bagged foods.
*Observes the condition of all work areas and reports any maintenance needs or other issues to supervisor.
Communicates with and assists vendors as needed.
Communicates with and assists guests. While aiding in deliveries within the park or while interacting with guests during tours of the commissary (e.g., Window tours, VIP tours, Trustee tours, etc.), takes initiative to interact with guests and facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
Other related duties as assigned.

* Essential Job Functions

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner required.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• 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 eight years’ equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria experience helpful.
• Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery helpful.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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. Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) and gain an understanding of the mission, vision, and values, and become familiar with and follow applicable policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Incumbent is responsible for 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. 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 change and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.

ZNS Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to mechanized equipment and machinery. This position has 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. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee’s ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law.

This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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 307.

This is a temporary/seasonal union position, primarily in our Zoo Nutrition Services department, with a starting pay rate of $15.00 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees.

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 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.