Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species.  Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!    

In the Summer 2025, Bramsen Tropical Forests opened, an unprecedented habitat for Primates emulating the natural homes of primates around the world including spider monkeys, orangutans, and Western lowland gorillas.  Tropic World is a unique building home to squirrel monkeys, white cheeked gibbons, colobus monkeys, and red-tailed guenons.

The Seasonal Animal Care Specialist - Primates contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing general high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area under close supervision.  Informs, assists, and directs guests as necessary to provide a great guest experience. 

This Seasonal Animal Care Specialist Primate position will predominately focus on diet preparation, enrichment preparation and cleaning exhibits areas. 

This is a seasonal union hourly position, grade U710 with a pay rate of $15.90 per hour.  Benefit information is below the job description details.

Preferred animal experience: Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of primates in a zoo setting preferred with ape experience desirable. Understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs also desirable.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• *Cleans animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. 
• *Prepares and distributes food as directed. 
• *Observes assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively reports to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare.  Observes condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment.  Keeps animal records as assigned. 
• *Performs routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed. 
• *Communicates with and assists guests.  Takes initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
• *Demonstrates knowledge of and implements BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. 
• *Monitors and cleans public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned.  Reports maintenance needs timely.  Performs minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
• *Monitors visitors to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property.
• *Studies specific reference materials about animals in assigned area.  Reads other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned. 

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent required. 
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills.  Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.

• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire.  Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.  Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. 

Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of the mission, vision, and values, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures.  Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.  Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed.  Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these timely as appropriate.  Primary contacts include BZC staff, professional associates, volunteers, interns, and guests. Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare.  Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels.  Must possess ability to adjust quickly to changes, and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times. 

Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals.  Animal Care Specialists positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures.  Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary.  This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform. 

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  Please see Occupational Requirements form. 

This is a seasonal union hourly position, grade U710 with a pay rate of $15.90 per hour.

Benefits Summary

We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer for a seasonal union hourly position.

Union Seasonal Employees

Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.

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Salary : $16