Shedd Aquarium Staff Featured in WTTW’s “Chicago Works,” Spotlighting Different Career Opportunities

In WTTW’s new special “Chicago Works,” Shedd Aquarium staff share a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of animal caretakers and facilities operators, just a few of the countless jobs across the aquarium that contribute to Shedd’s mission of sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

During the 60-minute special, host Geoffrey Baer meets a wide range of workers in Chicago, from the people who operate the city’s moveable bridges to those that change the Wrigley Field scoreboards. At Shedd, Baer helped animal caretakers prepare the beluga whales’ daily diet and participated in a beluga training session, learning about belugas’ unique vocalizations and how caretakers build trusting relationships with the animals.

Baer also watched as the facilities experts created a batch of salt water for various habitats around the building. He also learned how the team can use technology to remotely monitor and adjust certain aspects of the water in each habitat to meet the specific needs of the animals.

Along with the jobs featured in “Chicago Works,” there are hundreds of other dedicated staff members who test the water quality of every habitat daily, lead Chicagoans in local beach cleanups, encourage children to learn about science, conduct animal health exams, help guests find their favorite animal and more.

For an even deeper dive into the many career opportunities at the aquarium, the bilingual video series “On the Job with Shedd” sits down with staff from different departments to hear about their daily responsibilities, favorite aspects of their job and how others can pursue similar careers.

Shedd experts work in every discipline, from animal care and health to accounting, audience research, conservation, development, exhibit planning and design, facilities maintenance, guest experience, marketing, public relations, sustainable practices and other fields. To learn more about job and internship opportunities, visit www.sheddaquarium.org/about-shedd/careers.

WTTW’s “Chicago Works” is available to watch at www.wttw.com/chicago-works.