Seasonal Keeper, Zoo Nutrition Services - Brookfield Zoo - Chicago, IL

The Chicago Zoological Society is one of the few zoological organizations in the world with professional nutritionists on staff. Understanding nutritional status is vital to efforts to successfully conserve and propagate animal populations, in the wild and in captivity. The ultimate goal of our nutrition program is to help provide nutritional diets to keep zoo animals around the world healthy. Zoo Nutrition Services staff serve as members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association Nutritional Advisory Group and work closely with the Comparative Nutritionist Society (CNS). Through their networking activities, research efforts, and information sharing, Zoo Nutrition Services helps zoos and aquariums around the world ensure the best health of the animals in their care. As one of the top zoos, Seasonal Keepers in Zoo Nutrition Services receive valuable hands-on experience by assisting in the preparation of various food/diets/supplements in accordance with nutrition services protocols while also learning and completing diet change forms, labels, and protocols. You will demonstrate your understanding of principles of nutrition, food science/service and warehousing while accurately preparing and delivering food and supplies to animal buildings and exhibits. Following nutrition services sanitation and USDA guidelines, you will thoroughly clean the equipment and commissary building. While this position has very little contact with animals, your genuine interest in animals and passion for their welfare is an important characteristic. Your friendly demeanor, good interpersonal skills and outstanding communication skills will contribute to creating an extraordinary guest experience as Seasonal Keepers may interact with guests facilitating their enjoyment of animals and their zoo visit. Position Requirements and Specifications As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, Seasonal Keeper positions require the ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays and evenings. This position also requires that you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. This is a temporary (seasonal) position. The requirements for this position include: High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of nutrition, food science/service, cafeteria, and warehousing. Nutrition, food science/service, warehousing, and cafeteria experience helpful. Knowledge of mechanized equipment and machinery helpful. Good interpersonal and communications skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner required. Good decision-making skills. Must be alert and make sound, independent judgments. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must be reliable. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. 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. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability and Spanish fluency a plus. Additional Information This position starts in April 2016. The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

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