Apprentice Animal Keeper (Full-time)

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

UNDER CLOSE SUPERVISION, PARTICIPATES IN ALL ASPECTS OF DAILY ANIMAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF PARTICULAR EXHIBITS.

Requirements

• Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required.
• Knowledge of general husbandry practices and methods.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history; common environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and related subjects.
• Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and well being.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations.
• Skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations.
• Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures.
• Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively.
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species.
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or medications.
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling.
• Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles.
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work.
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases.
• Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, Ecology) or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institution is desirable.
• Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred.
• A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces.
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures, including cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, grooming, observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits.
• Performs heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals.
• Participates in required lectures, seminars and workshops as part of their apprenticeship.
• Advances zoo mission through participation in conservation programs, assists in development and delivery of educational programs, and interacts with zoo guests.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools.
• Maintains animal exhibits for less dangerous species under supervision.
• Maintains exhibit display including furnishing, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep.
• Prepares and distributes animal diets and humanely dispatches live feed items.
• Shifts and manually restrains animals under close supervision and in the immediate presence of a qualified animal keeper.
• Administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian under close supervision.
• Monitors the health of animals on a daily basis and reports abnormal behavior and problems to the area supervisor.
• Prepares detailed written daily reports for supervisor.
• Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and alerts supervisors of work order requests and emergency repairs.
• Maintains clean and safe work environment.
• Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines and participates in animal escape drills and procedures.
• Captures, restrains, and transports animals under supervision.
• May be assigned jobs that require coordination with other zoo departments.
• Apprentice keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote most of their time to observing selected zoo animals, assisting keepers with medications and night feedings, delivering feed, keeping records and assisting with zoo security.
• May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animal collection.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Works necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Life coverage
• Disability coverage
• 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events
• "LPZooU" training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• 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