Apprentice Animal Keeper (Full-time)

Lincoln Park Zoological Society•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of particular exhibits. This role involves providing daily care to animals and their enclosures, including cleaning, feeding, watering, grooming, observing, animal training, enrichment, and record keeping. Tasks may include heavy manual labor such as moving food items, equipment, and crated animals. The apprentice will also participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops as part of their apprenticeship, and contribute to the zoo's mission through conservation programs, educational outreach, and assisting with tours and research projects. Maintaining exhibit displays, preparing animal diets, and assisting with animal handling and health monitoring are also key responsibilities. Evening or night shift apprentices will focus on observation, medication administration, feeding, and zoo security.

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 safe work practices when in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in cleaning operations.
Skill in making thorough observations and documenting them.
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 the general public.
Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks including climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling.
Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds.
Ability to work in small, confined spaces.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles.
No allergy-related issues to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work.
No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or movement that might interfere with the 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 a designated taxonomic area preferred.
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, grooming, observing, animal training, enrichment, and record keeping.
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, assisting in the development and delivery of educational programs, and interacting with zoo guests.
Assists with tours for guests, staff, and volunteers; may assist in research projects.
Cleans and maintains animal exhibits, including the use of chemical agents and special tools.
Maintains animal exhibits for less dangerous species under supervision.
Maintains excellence in exhibit display, including furnishing, modifying, and performing minor repairs and upkeep.
Prepares and distributes animal diets as determined by animal management staff.
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.
Monitors the health of animals daily by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior, appearance, and interaction with others.
Reports abnormal behavior and problems to the area supervisor without delay.
Assists with the preparation of detailed written daily reports for the supervisor.
Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment, and facilities and alerts supervisors of work order requests and emergency repairs.
Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies.
Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines.
Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures.
Captures, restrains, and transports animals under supervision.
May be assigned jobs that require coordination with other zoo departments.
For evening or night shifts: observes selected zoo animals for possible problems or births, assists keepers with medication administration and night feedings/milking, delivers feed, keeps records, and assists 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 (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Life insurance
Disability coverage
403(b) savings plan with an institutional match
Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
Free on-site parking
Discounts on event tickets, attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
Quarterly staff mingle events
“LPZooU” training and educational sessions
Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!