What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Resident Wildlife Keeper - May 2025 position at Forest Preserve District of DuPage County?
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.
The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.
Job Summary
This position assists with the care of the resident wildlife ambassadors at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook Forest Preserve.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care for resident wildlife, including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health.
- Monitor animal behavior, report any unusual behavior or signs of distress to Resident Wildlife staff.
- Assist with enclosure maintenance, including replacement of furniture and perches and providing enrichment.
- Assist with behavioral training of resident wildlife.
- Assist with guided tours as needed.
- Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
- Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
- Perform other duties as required.
Requirements:
- 16 years of age or older at time of hire.
- 1 year of previous experience in animal care or handling preferred.
- Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
- Basic knowledge of animal behavior.
- Basic knowledge of animal training and care practices.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Schedule: Position does not start until May 20, 2025 and ends August 20, 2025. Four 10-hour days from 7 AM - 5:30 PM = 40 hours/week. Times and days may vary occasionally.
Pay: $15.50-$16 an hour.
Uniform: District shirts provided.
Location: DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook Forest Preserve
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary : $16 - $16
