Assistant Animal Keeper-Small Mammal Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision, participates in most aspects of daily animal care and enclosure maintenance. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to continuously provide progressive, high standards of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

• Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and exhibit cleaning
• Observes and assists with daily operant conditioning training sessions for assigned animals
• Participates in behavioral enrichment program by implementing and evaluating enrichment activities
• Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals
• Advances zoo mission through collaboration with horticulture, conservation & science, development, learning and community engagement programs. This may include – conducting camp chats and through interaction with zoo guests
• 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
• Prepares and distributes prescribed animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff
• Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Monitors health of animals on a daily basis, and reports anything abnormal or problematic to the management team without delay
• Prepares detailed written daily reports and completes all assigned record keeping in TRACKS record keeping system
• Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment, and facilities and reports concerns to the team lead
• Maintains clean and safe work environment
• Maintains an inventory of tools 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
• Jobs may require coordination with other zoo departments
• Promotes a positive guest experience

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current industry standard 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 wellbeing

• 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

• Strong oral and written communications skills

• Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively

• Ability to receive constructive feedback

• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects

• Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title

• Ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and report to the team lead or supervisor

• Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species

• Under direct supervision, ability to work with animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals and/or medications

• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and general public
• Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation)

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred
• Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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, 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
• Ability to swim may be required for some positions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.
• Available to attend on-ground training sessions as needed
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record is preferred
• Proof of negative TB test
• Proof of covid vaccine

OUR PROMISE

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.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

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: $20.99/hr

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