Animal Keeper - Carnivores

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Animal Keeper participates in all aspects of daily animal care and enclosure maintenance as part of a team committed to progressive, high-standard care that supports animal health, safety, and well-being. The assigned species include African lions, snow leopards, red pandas, Canada lynx, harbor seals, grey seals, brown bears, and polar bears.

The role involves animal husbandry, exhibit and habitat maintenance, operant conditioning, behavioral enrichment, welfare assessments, health monitoring, diet preparation, prescribed therapeutics, record keeping, and communication with the animal management team. Keepers also help advance the zoo’s mission through collaboration with other departments, education and guest engagement, and research projects as assigned. Work may involve heavy manual and skilled tasks, potentially dangerous animals and equipment, chemical agents, and work in all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent (GED).
• Knowledge of current industry-standard animal husbandry practices and methods.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, natural history, enrichment, training practices, biology, and related subjects.
• Knowledge of animal behavior as an indicator of general health, reproductive potential, and well-being.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safe practices when working near potentially dangerous animals.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in cleaning operations.
• Skill in making thorough observations and documenting them.
• Ability to maintain comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to give and follow directions effectively.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and organize tasks and time to complete projects promptly.
• Ability to work in any assigned animal area and fulfill the requirements of the title.
• Ability to use sound judgment when analyzing animal behavior problems or emergencies and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work comfortably around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species.
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, animal-handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals, and medications.
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully, and productively with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers, zoo visitors, and the public.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs and software, including Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation.
• Ability to remain on one’s feet for long periods and regularly perform physical tasks including climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling.
• Physical strength to frequently move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include rubber or latex gloves, steel-toed boots or shoes, face shields, and eye goggles.
• No plant- or animal-related allergy that interferes with the ability to work.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or movement that interferes with the ability to work.
• Ability to maintain an immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases.
• Ability to swim may be required for some positions.
• Availability to work necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events, and all shifts, and to attend on-ground training sessions as needed.
• Proof of a negative TB test.
• A comparable combination of education, experience, or training may qualify if it provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences, such as Biology, Zoology, or Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium, or similar institution.
• Experience in the designated taxonomic area.
• Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for animals and their enclosures, including cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, observing, training, enrichment, record keeping, and exhibit maintenance.
• Participate in daily operant conditioning sessions, develop training plans, complete training records, and work toward established species behavior and well-being goals.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate behavioral enrichment activities.
• Participate in welfare discussions and assessments and implement assigned welfare action items.
• Collect ZooMonitor data as assigned.
• Perform heavy manual and skilled tasks, potentially including moving food items, hoses, hay bales, equipment, and crated animals.
• Collaborate with horticulture, conservation and science, development, learning, and community engagement programs as assigned.
• Assist with formal education programs and informal guest interactions, conduct tours, and participate in research projects as needed.
• Clean and maintain animal exhibits using chemical agents and specialized tools.
• Maintain exhibit displays, furnishings, and landscapes, and perform minor repairs and upkeep under supervision.
• Prepare and distribute prescribed animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff.
• Administer veterinarian-prescribed therapeutics under supervision.
• Monitor animal health daily and promptly report abnormal or concerning observations to the management team.
• Make recommendations regarding diet changes, habitat redesign, and related matters, and take steps to carry them out.
• Prepare detailed daily reports and complete assigned records in the TRACKS record-keeping system.
• Monitor habitats, equipment, and facilities, and communicate work-order requests and emergency repair needs.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and maintain an inventory of tools and supplies.
• Follow established animal-handling and safety guidelines and participate in animal escape drills and procedures; capture, restrain, and transport animals under supervision.
• Promote a positive guest experience and contribute to a positive, productive work environment.
• Support lead and assistant lead staff in training new staff and temporary keepers.
• For keepers assigned to evening or night shift, conduct animal observations and other assigned duties.
• Work necessary hours as requested, including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match.
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions.
• Free on-site parking with access to Lincoln Park, the Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach.
• Discounts on event tickets, attractions, dining, and zoo retail, as well as free admission to select events.
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions.
• Company contribution to a Health Savings Account for Medical PPO participants.
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED