Temporary Hiring List – Primates

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!


Submit your on-line application for this opportunity no later than September 21, 2025!

Preferred animal experience: Diverse experience caring for and exhibiting a wide variety of primates in a zoo setting preferred with ape experience desirable. Understanding of zoo-based conservation and breeding programs also desirable.

Explore Tropic World and meet intelligent primates from three continents: Venture from South America to Asia and on to Africa. Then be sure to visit our Western Lowland Gorillas in Bramsen Tropical Forest!
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.

If offered a role, this is a full-time, temporary, union aide position, primarily in our primate 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 employees section) can be found at:
https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by, under close supervision, providing general care for animals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary.

Primary job duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
1. * Prepare and distribute food as directed.
2. * Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Keep animal records as assigned.
3. * Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance as assigned.
4. * Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
5. * Develop proficiency in routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
6. * Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of property.
7. * Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
8. *Demonstrate knowledge of and implement BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
9. * Study specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Read other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
10. Other related duties as assigned.
* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Position requirements and specifications:
• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Animal care facility, farm or kennel, or other equivalent animal experience required.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Good interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be 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 judgment.
• Ability to accurately perform job duties.
• Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of BZC’s mission statement, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures.
• Must be reliable.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid drive