Zoo Nutrition Services - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

2d • $15 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

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.
The Animal Care Specialist is a seasonal, union, hourly position grade U710 with an expected hiring range of $15.00 to $17.37 hourly, depending on previous BZC union seasons. This position is expected to start the end of March, 2026.

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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED