<p>Brookfield Zoo Chicago</p> <p>Brookfield Zoo Chicago</p> <p>Temporary Hiring List - Zoo Nutrition Services</p> <p>Submit your on-line application for this opportunity no later than September 21, 2025!</p> <p>Brookfield Zoo Chicago is currently soliciting on-line applications from qualified and experienced animal care professionals for placement on our hiring list for temporary (aide) positions. The list will be used to select candidates for temporary full-time animal care specialist aide positions which arise due to employee absences, leaves, and position vacancies, between 12/1/25 and 5/31/26. These temporary assignments may range from several days or weeks to several months, or more, depending on the particular assignment. Placement on the temporary hiring list does not guarantee employment.</p> <p>If offered a role, this is a full-time, temporary, union aide position, primarily in our Zoo Nutrition Services department, with a starting pay rate of $27.17 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire, along with monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the union temporary aide employee section) can be found at:</p> <p>https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf</p> <p>Under close supervision, this position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by ordering, receiving, preparing, storing, and delivering food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas, using established sanitation and cleaning guidelines to meet BZC's requirements and standards for animal welfare.</p> <p>Primary job duties and responsibilities:</p> <p>Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.</p> <ol> <li> <ul> <li>Assist with preparation of various Zoo Nutrition Services (ZNS) food/diets/supplements in accordance with Nutrition Services protocols. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Prepare and deliver food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibit areas daily as directed. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Clean equipment and ZNS Commissary building according to Nutrition Services sanitation and USDA guidelines. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Receive and store items delivered to the Nutrition Services Commissary. Report suspect food and unusable items to supervisor immediately. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Learn and complete diet change forms, labels, protocols, and any other written work as assigned. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Assist with unloading of bulk shipments of food items including, but not limited to produce, hay, bedding, and bagged foods. </li></ul> </li><li> <ul> <li>Observe the condition of all work areas and report any maintenance needs to the supervisor. </li></ul> </li><li> <p>Communicate with and assist vendors as needed.</p> </li><li> <p>Communicate with and assist guests. Take the initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.</p> </li><li> <p>Other related duties as assigned.</p> </li></ol> <ul> <li>Essential Job Functions </li></ul> <p>Experience Required</p> <p>Position requirements and specifications: • High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required. • Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing. • Good interpersonal and communications skills. Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. • Capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. • Must learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly. • Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments. • Ability to accurately perform job duties. • Must be reliable. • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. • Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license 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. • Relevant experience working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago a plus (includes BZC employment and other experience such as relevant volunteer and/or intern experience). • Food product or food handling experience or nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria equivalent experience preferred. • Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery is helpful. • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.</p> <p>Further Comments</p> <p>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, temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about BZC operations, gain an understanding of BZC's mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Nutrition Service Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to mechanized equipment and machinery. Position involves 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. • Responsibility for BZC Property: Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property. • Responsibility for Safety of Others: Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and act to remedy or report them as appropriate. • Contacts: Primary contacts include staff, vendors, professional associates Other Qualifications and Characteristics: Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must be able to adjust quickly to changes and represent Brookfield Zoo Chicago professionally.</p> <p>Perks</p> <p>https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf</p> <p>Salary</p> <p>starting pay rate of $27.17 per hour</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 232.</p> <p>Brookfield Zoo Chicago</p> <p>3300 Golf Road</p> <p>Brookfield, IL 60513</p> <p>Phone: 7086888400</p> <p>Fax: Brookfield Zoo Chicago</p> <p>Visit our website</p> <p>@Brookfield Zoo Chica</p> <p>Like us on Facebook</p>