Assistant Animal Keeper-Primate House & Regenstein Macaque Forest

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, participates in most aspects of daily animal care and enclosure maintenance. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to continuously provide progressive, high standards of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

Requirements

• Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required.
• Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred
• Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is preferred
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
• Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, 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) 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.
• Available to attend on-ground training sessions as needed
• Knowledge of current industry standard 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 wellbeing
• 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
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
• Ability to receive constructive feedback
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
• Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and report to the team lead or supervisor
• Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
• Under direct supervision, ability to work with animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals and/or medications
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and general public
• Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation)

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.
• Ability to swim may be required for some positions
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is preferred
• Proof of negative TB test

Responsibilities

• Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and exhibit cleaning
• Observes and assists with daily operant conditioning training sessions for assigned animals
• Participates in behavioral enrichment program by implementing and evaluating enrichment activities
• Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals
• Advances zoo mission through collaboration with horticulture, conservation & science, development, learning and community engagement programs. This may include – conducting camp chats and through interaction with zoo guests
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals
• Prepares and distributes prescribed animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff
• Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Monitors health of animals on a daily basis, and reports anything abnormal or problematic to the management team without delay
• Prepares detailed written daily reports and completes all assigned record keeping in TRACKS record keeping system
• Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment, and facilities and reports concerns to the team lead
• Maintains clean and safe work environment
• Maintains an inventory of tools and supplies
• Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines
• Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures.
• Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals
• Jobs may require coordination with other zoo departments
• Promotes and contributes to a positive and productive work environment
• Promotes a positive guest experience
• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
• Work necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• disability coverages
• 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 and “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