Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) needs energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly people to join the Brookfield Zoo seasonal staff.
The zoo is open every day of the year and recruits employees in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V Seasonal employment opportunities (hourly wage ranging from $7.75 to $30.45) include:
Seasonal Keeper
Under close supervision, provide general care for animals and perform related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary. Prepare and distribute food as directed. Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keep animal records as assigned. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement zoo-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. High school graduate or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience. Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely. Good interpersonal skills. Requires the ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus. Must be a minimum of 18 years old with a valid driver's license. This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Why work at Brookfield Zoo? Because Chicago Zoological Society
- is internationally known and recognized
- offers seasonal opportunities that can lead to full-time positions
- offers flexible schedules
- provides a family-oriented and fun work atmosphere
- offers the opportunity to learn skills in customer service, restaurant operations, merchandising, and many other areas
Applications for seasonal positions are taken daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the zoo's South Gate.
For more information, call the zoo's job hotline at (708) 688-8881.
How to Apply
Download and complete the full-time/part-time employment application form or temporary and seasonal employment application. Full background checks are conducted on all final candidates. You must also complete and submit a Background Notification and Authorization form to be considered for a position with the Chicago Zoological Society.
The Chicago Zoological Society is a government contractor subject to Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). These statutes require the Society to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, females, and individuals with disabilities, veterans of the Vietnam era, special disabled veterans, other protected veterans, and recently separated veterans. If you belong to one of these protected groups and would like to be considered under the affirmative action program, please tell us (download the Voluntary Self Identification Form PDF). You may inform us of your desire to benefit under the program at this time and/or at any time in the future. The information will assist us in meeting our affirmative action obligations and/or in making any reasonable accommodations necessary if you are disabled. Our affirmative action program contains policies and procedures to assure compliance with our Section 503 and VEVRAA obligations. Submission of this information is purely voluntary and choosing not to disclose this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.
Need more info?