Animal Care Specialist (3-Month Temp)

Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

TITLE: Animal Care Specialist (3-Month Temp)
DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium Team
REPORTS TO: Director of Animal Care & Behavioral Training
STATUS: Full-time Temp Non-Exempt
DURATION: 3 Months
PAY RATE:$20.00/hour

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The AnimalCare Specialistis responsible forassistinginthe overallcare of department consists of teams that care for Cetaceans Penguins and Otters Sea lions and Animal Animal Care Specialist is a supportive role that focuses on learning the skill set for caring for animalswhile also providing an educational experience for the in this role staff will learnabout the animals under their care andthebasic science of operant conditioning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Demonstrate commitment to Shedds visionmission and values.
Assistin ensuring the health and well-being of the animal collection
Demonstrates a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members visitors volunteers community leaders and contractors by promoting positive attitudes goodwill cooperation and providinghigh standardsof service
Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals staff and aquarium guests.
Clean the kitchens utensils floors windows pools offices laundry and any other area or itemutilizedin theOceanariumdepartment.
Prepare diets for all the animalswhichincludeshandling fishthawing sorting weighing cutting formula preparation vitamin administration heavy lifting and frequent exposure to cold temperatures.
Interact withguests dailyby answering guest questions about the animals and the facility.
Perform various tasks including evening functions special employee trainingsand seminars specialmaintenanceor construction projects.
Attend regularly scheduled meetings for intra-departmental communication which include meetings before each animal session or presentation animal group meetings staff meetings andadditionalmeetingsas needed.
Maintain detailed records of all animal interactions and observations which include diet vitamins medication behavioral notes medical notes animal weights physical observations graphs temperatures and any other recordsdeemedimportant to the care of the animals the facility or daily staff this out or add another bullet that is about the observation piece
Engage in regular interactions with some of the animals under the guidance and direction of experienced staff including training sessionsphysical exams public presentationsand play sessions.
Embrace a flexible work schedule that includesnightsweekendsholidays and non-standardized hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required.

Education:ABachelorsdegree in Zoology Biology Life Sciences or a related area is preferred. (Equivalent experience will be considered instead of a degree)

Experience:

1 year of animal experience which caninclude volunteering an internshipor other animal care experience.
Experiencewith Cetaceans Penguins and Otters Sea lions and Animal Ambassadors is a plus.

Designations/Certifications:

Open water diving certificationnotrequired for temporary roles.
Advancement into regularstatusroles will require certification or the ability to obtain certification within oneyear.

Other Skills and Characteristics:

Competent swimmer.
Ability to work well with othersin adiverseteam environment and communicateproficiently with colleagues and guests.
Written and verbal communication skills.
Able to receive andapplyfeedback.
Demonstrates commitment to growth.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work in an environment with daily exposure tocoldsalt water.
Daily liftingin excess of40 poundsperiodiclifting upto50 pounds.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

Accrued Paid Time Off
401(k)
Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness program
Employee discounts
Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at

We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community veterans and active duty military parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

Required Experience:

TITLE: Animal Care Specialist (3-Month Temp)DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium TeamREPORTS TO: Director of Animal Care & Behavioral TrainingSTATUS: Full-time Temp Non-ExemptDURATION: 3 MonthsPAY RATE:$20.00/hourPOSITION OVERVIEW:The AnimalCare Specialistis responsible forassistinginthe overallcare of departmen...

Demonstrate commitment to Shedds visionmission and values.
Assistin ensuring the health and well-being of the animal collection
Demonstrates a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members visitors volunteers community leaders and contractors by promoting positive attitudes goodwill cooperation and providinghigh standardsof service
Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals staff and aquarium guests.
Clean the kitchens utensils floors windows pools offices laundry and any other area or itemutilizedin theOceanariumdepartment.
Prepare diets for all the animalswhichincludeshandling fishthawing sorting weighing cutting formula preparation vitamin administration heavy lifting and frequent exposure to cold temperatures.
Interact withguests dailyby answering guest questions about the animals and the facility.
Perform various tasks including evening functions special employee trainingsand seminars specialmaintenanceor construction projects.
Attend regularly scheduled meetings for intra-departmental communication which include meetings before each animal session or presentation animal group meetings staff meetings andadditionalmeetingsas needed.
Maintain detailed records of all animal interactions and observations which include diet vitamins medication behavioral notes medical notes animal weights physical observations graphs temperatures and any other recordsdeemedimportant to the care of the animals the facility or daily staff this out or add another bullet that is about the observation piece
Engage in regular interactions with some of the animals under the guidance and direction of experienced staff including training sessionsphysical exams public presentationsand play sessions.
Embrace a flexible work schedule that includesnightsweekendsholidays and non-standardized hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.

1 year of animal experience which caninclude volunteering an internshipor other animal care experience.
Experiencewith Cetaceans Penguins and Otters Sea lions and Animal Ambassadors is a plus.

Designations/Certifications:

Open water diving certificationnotrequired for temporary roles.
Advancement into regularstatusroles will require certification or the ability to obtain certification within oneyear.

Other Skills and Characteristics:

Competent swimmer.
Ability to work well with othersin adiverseteam environment and communicateproficiently with colleagues and guests.
Written and verbal communication skills.
Able to receive andapplyfeedback.
Demonstrates commitment to growth.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: