Animal Keeper- Outdoor Birds

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.

About the role

Under general supervision, participates in all 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. This is an outdoor bird keeper position with Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl, and birds of prey. The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of bird species, egg incubation, and hand-rearing.

Responsibilities

• 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 maintaining exhibits.
• Participates in daily operant conditioning training sessions, working with teams to advance programs in alignment with established goals for species behavior and well-being, including developing training plans and completing training records.
• Advances behavioral enrichment program by planning, implementing, and evaluating enrichment activities.
• Participates in welfare discussions and assessments as assigned, implementing welfare action items as needed.
• Promotes and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.
• Collects ZooMonitor data as assigned.
• Performs 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 as assigned.
• Assists in delivery of education programs formally through the Learning Department and informally through interaction with zoo guests; conducting tours and participating in research projects as needed.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
• Under supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, landscape maintenance, modifying, and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate.
• 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.
• Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign, and related matters and takes steps to accomplish the same.
• 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 communicates work order requests and emergency repairs as needed.
• Maintains a 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.
• Coordinates with other zoo departments as needed.
• Promotes a positive guest experience.
• Supports lead/assistant lead during the training of new staff, temporary keepers, etc.
• Keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote their time to animal observations and other assigned duties.
• May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animals.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Works necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events.

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.
• 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.
• A comparable combination of education, experience, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.

Skills

• 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 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.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively.
• Ability to give and 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 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, animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals, and/or medications.
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully, and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and the general public.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation).

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 the 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 the 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.

Pay

$31.06/hr.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages (Blue Cross Blue Shield).
• 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match.
• 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.