Apprentice Animal Keeper (Full-Time)

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 lpzoo.org.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under close supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of particular exhibits.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 Learning 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 senior animal management staff.
• Shifts and manually restrains animals under close supervision and in the immediate presence of a qualified Animal Keeper
• 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 a supervisor without delay. Assists with the preparation of detailed written daily reports for supervisor
• Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and reports emergency repairs to a supervisor 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

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITITES

• 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, delivering feed to animal areas and keeping records
• May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animals.
• 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 & ABILITITES

• 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 both 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 drugs
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

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
Some experience working with or around a variety of animals. Desire to gain additional knowledge and skills to become a zoo Animal Keeper.
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, 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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.
Available to attend training sessions and conferences as needed.
A valid driver's license with a good driving record is preferred
Proof of negative TB test
Proof of covid vaccine
Salary $18.26/hr
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.