Chicago Zoological Society

Mission:
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

Values:

• Measurable Impact
• Training Human Capital
• Animal Care and Well-Being
• Fun
• Diversity
• Scientific Excellence
• Alignment and Integration
• Partnerships

Brookfield Zoo
Opened in 1934, Brookfield Zoo is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to developing people’s capacities and competencies, serving as a mentor and trainer, providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop, and establish careers in the fields of zoology and conservation.

In fulfilling this role, the Society has a long-standing Internship Program that has been recognized as one of the top programs for college students in the country. The program, established in 1975, was one of the first in the nation to allow students pursuing careers in animal care the opportunity to work side by side with professional zookeepers, learning the skills and techniques necessary to manage exotic zoo animals. Since that time, the Internship Program, now called the College Experiential Learning Opportunities (C.E.L.O.) program, has evolved to include internships and research opportunities in a variety of areas and fields.

C.E.L.O. offers you:

• Mentoring and Coaching
• Training
• Hands-on, relevant, real experience

Areas:
Zookeeper internships are available with a variety of animals: Large animals, Domestics, Small animals, Birds, Reptiles, Hoof Stock, Amphibians, Marine Animals, and Nutrition.

Other college experiential learning opportunities are available in a variety of non-animal areas including: Marketing and Special Events, Education, Design/Graphic Arts, Public Relations, Development, Horticulture, Water Quality Lab, and Conservation Biology.

Please note: internships and work-study opportunities may not be offered in all areas every year.

C.E.L.O. program applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Completion of one (1) year of college
• Overall grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
• Be willing to commit to a 12 week term (5 days/week, 40 hours per week)
• Have a sincere interest in the particular field where the intern desires placement.

Completed applications must be submitted by the deadlines listed below. Please note, internships and work-study opportunities may not be offered in all areas every year. Term dates may be somewhat flexible based on student’s academic calendar.If an interview is desired to further consider the applicant for an internship opportunity, the applicant will be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and assignments by mail. Most internships are unpaid, however, some limited opportunities are paid. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

 

Tetanus Vaccine Required
For the welfare of employees and animals, proof of a current tetanus vaccination is required for zookeeping internships prior to the start of the internship assignment. In some animal areas, additional inoculations/tests may be required (measles, vaccine, TB test, etc.) at the applicant’s expense.

Application Check List
Students who want to be considered for an internship or participation in the work-study program must complete and submit all forms which includes:

• A completed C.E.L.O. online application
• A current resume detailing education and other qualifications, including work history and any other relevant experience such as military or volunteer service.
• A cover letter covering C.E.L.O. application points (see below).
• Optional EEO Information form

Submit the following as an application packet to the address below:

• Two professional letters of recommendation that include a candid assessment of the candidate’s aptitude, qualifications, background, and suitability for the program.
• An unofficial copy of the applicant’s most recent transcripts for all the colleges or universities attended.

C.E.L.O. Cover Letter
To be considered for the C.E.L.O. program for an internship or for work-study, you must submit a cover letter covering the following points:

• What attracts you about Brookfield Zoo as a workplace?
• What do you think you will gain from an experiential learning opportunity considering you future endeavors and career choices?
• What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you an asset to this institution?
• Considering that the Chicago Zoological Society is a worldwide leader in conservation, what life experiences have you had that you believe have caused you to have an appreciation for animals, nature, the environment, and/or conservation?