The Assistant Animal Care Specialist, Zoo Nutrition Services contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by contributing to excellent animal welfare and fiscal sustainability through efficient Commissary operations under direct supervision.

Primary duties and responsibilities:
Accurately and efficiently prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas daily as directed.
Properly receive, unload, and store items delivered to the ZNS Commissary including, but not limited to produce, hay, bedding, frozen prey, and bagged feed. Report suspect food and unusable items to supervisor immediately.
Develop working knowledge of animals in and act as liaison for assigned workgroups. Responsible for maintaining updated records for animals within assigned area.
Clean equipment and ZNS Commissary building according to ZNS sanitation and USDA guidelines.
Learn and complete diet change forms, labels, protocols, and any other written work as assigned. Maintain proficiency in area routines.
Observe the condition of all work areas and report maintenance needs to supervisor.
Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of Society property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
Comply with all Society and department policies and procedures. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
Other related duties as assigned.

The requirements for this position include the following:
High school diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
One year of relevant food product, food handling, or Animal Care Specialist experience or equivalent required.
Incumbent must develop an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing.
Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery helpful.
Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Must be flexible, well organized, and have good time management skills.
Must be reliable and trustworthy.
Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Cultural competency; 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.

Preferred qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
Relevant experience working at the Chicago Zoological Society a plus (includes CZS employment and other experience such as relevant volunteer and/or intern experience).
Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Incumbent must develop the skills to perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a track record of consistently and accurately performing job duties. Incumbent is expected to communicate effectively and promptly with co-workers, managers, and guests and to follow appropriate communication channels. Ability to integrate and apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement needed changes is helpful.

Zoo Nutrition Services Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to mechanized equipment and machinery. There is very little contact with animals. Animal Care Specialist 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. Mandatory Tuberculosis test, including a Chest x-ray at Doctor’s discretion. Incumbent must possess or acquire knowledge of Chicago Zoological Society, its mission statement, policies and procedures, and incorporate into daily job responsibilities. Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Workplace safety is the Chicago Zoological Society’s top priority. We require all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless they request and receive a religious or medical exemption. New hires must have at least received their first vaccine dose prior to their start date. (Updated 9/16/22)

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

Nutrition Services

Animal Health and Welfare

Union

Rotating Schedule