Zookeeper- Animal Care 1 & 2 - Randall Oaks Zoo and Park
About The Position
Join Our Team as a Zookeeper – Animal Care 1 & 2! Do you have a passion for animals and a dedication to their care? Dundee Township Park District is seeking enthusiastic and hardworking individuals to join our team as Zookeepers at Randall Oaks Zoo & Park. If you enjoy hands-on animal care, maintaining habitats, and engaging with the public, this is the perfect opportunity for you! What You’ll Do: As a Zookeeper you’ll: • Provide daily care for over 150 animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance. • Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal exhibits, holding areas, service areas, and equipment. • Prepare and feed appropriate diets following established guidelines. • Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to the Zoo Manager or Animal Curator. • Assist with veterinary care, including administering medications and treatments after training. • Safely restrain animals as needed following proper handling protocols. • Identify and report safety, maintenance, or operational concerns. • Engage with the public through educational programming and guest interactions. • Operate equipment such as tractors, vehicles, and other tools related to zoo maintenance. • Follow all safety policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). • Work collaboratively with zoo staff and support the mission and goals of the Park District. Who You Are: You're a motivated and dependable team player with: • At least 6 months of experience working with animals (zoo, farm, or shelter; household pets excluded). • Must be at least 18 years old. • A strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks (bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.). • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and environments. • A valid Illinois driver’s license. • Comfort with public speaking and engaging with guests. • Ability to follow safety procedures and OSHA regulations. • Fluency in English; bilingual Spanish skills are a plus. Schedule: • Part-time, limited hourly (non-exempt) position. • Up to 30 hours per week, March through December. • Weekend and holiday shifts required, with occasional extended hours. • Position limited to 1,000 hours per year. In Exchange for Your Time and Talent, We Offer: Select one of the following: Individual Fitness Center (100-day) pass OR Family Season Pass at Dolphin Cove Aquatic Center OR Family Season Pass at Randall Oaks Zoo and Park Free/discounted District programs, merchandise and concessions Credit Union (KCT) Ready to Make a Difference? Bring your passion for animal care to the Dundee Township Park District! Whether you're pursuing a career in zookeeping, wildlife conservation, or simply love working with animals, this role offers a meaningful and hands-on experience. Apply today and help us provide exceptional care for our animals!
Requirements
- At least 6 months of experience working with animals (zoo, farm, or shelter; household pets excluded).
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- A strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks (bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.).
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and environments.
- A valid Illinois driver’s license.
- Comfort with public speaking and engaging with guests.
- Ability to follow safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
- Fluency in English
Nice To Haves
- bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provide daily care for over 150 animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal exhibits, holding areas, service areas, and equipment.
- Prepare and feed appropriate diets following established guidelines.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to the Zoo Manager or Animal Curator.
- Assist with veterinary care, including administering medications and treatments after training.
- Safely restrain animals as needed following proper handling protocols.
- Identify and report safety, maintenance, or operational concerns.
- Engage with the public through educational programming and guest interactions.
- Operate equipment such as tractors, vehicles, and other tools related to zoo maintenance.
- Follow all safety policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Work collaboratively with zoo staff and support the mission and goals of the Park District.
Benefits
- Individual Fitness Center (100-day) pass OR Family Season Pass at Dolphin Cove Aquatic Center OR Family Season Pass at Randall Oaks Zoo and Park
- Free/discounted District programs, merchandise and concessions
- Credit Union (KCT)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
