Under close supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of particular exhibits.
Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, grooming (i.e., domestic animals),observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits
Tasks may include 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 - assists in development and delivery of educational programs formally through Education Department, and informally through interaction with zoo guests; assists with tours for guests, staffs and volunteers; may assist in research projects
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 as well as the proper presentation to the public
Maintains animal exhibits for less dangerous species under the supervision and discretion of the lead keeper. Exhibits housing more dangerous animals will not be maintained until the later stages of the probationary period
Under close supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate.
With supervision, prepares and distributes animal diets as determined by animal management staff. Humanely dispatches live feed items
Shifts and manually restrains animals other than common domestics or exotics used in handling programs under close supervision and in the immediate presence of a qualified animal keeper during the initial 2 months of the apprenticeship
Under close supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
Monitors health of animals on a daily basis by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior and appearance, interaction with others, etc. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor without delay. Assists with the preparation of detailed written daily reports for supervisor
Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and alerts supervisors of work order requests and emergency repairs as needed
Maintains 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. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals
May be assigned jobs that require coordination with other zoo departments
Apprentice keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote most of their time to observing selected zoo animals for possible problems or births, assisting keepers with the administration of prescribed medications and night feedings and milking, delivering feed to animal areas, keeping records and assisting with zoo security
May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animal collection.
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
Work necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events
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 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
Ability to 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 general public
Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required. 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 designated taxonomic area preferred.
Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.
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, 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) 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.
A valid driver's license with a good driving record is preferred
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.
In addition to such standard benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
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!
Salary: $19.37/hr