There are many tangible and intangible benefits of being an employee of the Chicago Zoological Society. Some of the tangible benefits of our full-time positions are:

  • Merit-based annual wage increases for non-union positions; contractual wage increases for union positions.
  • Bi-weekly pay days (every other Friday)
  • Paid vacation
  • Two personal days per year (four personal days for non-union positions)
  • Eight paid holidays per year (including your birthday!); (10 paid holidays for union positions)
  • 10 paid sick days per year
  • Choice of three Medical plans
  • Dental plan
  • Short-term Disability insurance
  • Up to 5x annual wage in Voluntary Life insurance coverage
  • Choice of three Dependent Life insurance programs
  • Up to 5x annual wage in Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
  • Choice of two Long-Term Disability plan options
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Cafeteria-style Benefits Plan: Employees design their own benefits package each year by selecting from a long menu of benefit options. Each employee receives benefits “credits” to purchase benefits. Additional benefit “credits” are awarded based on the benefits selected. Any unspent benefit credits may be converted to additional pay, a 401(k) plan contribution (if eligible), and/or a contribution to a pre-tax Flexible Spend­ing Ac­count to cover eligible out-of-pocket medical and/or depen­dent care ex­penses.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees may redirect a portion of their wages to a pre-tax account to cover eligible out-of-pocket medical, vision care, or dependent care expenses.
  • Discounted day care services (off site)
  • Pre-tax transit (public transportation) voucher benefits
  • Employee credit union
  • Tuition assistance
  • Discounts on zoo purchases
  • Employee Assistance Program: Free, confidential problem assessment, assistance, and refer­rals for employees and their immediate family members to deal with ­issues such as stress, depres­sion, financial, marital, or family prob­lems, drug or alcohol problems, etc.
  • Free admission and parking for employees and their immediate family
  • Free passes for guests and friends
  • Uniforms and cleaning service (if required)
  • Brookfield Zoo University: Employees may participate free of charge in a variety of classes offered on-site through Zoo University. Classes cover a wide range of topics including professional development, skill-building classes, conservation-related topics, basic operations, and special interest topics. Instructors include guest lecturers, staff presenters, and formal trainers.
  • Preferred parking for employees who carpool or drive green vehicles
  • Generous bereavement leave
In addition, Society employees have the opportunity to work in a fun, family-oriented environment and a beautiful, park-like setting. We hope you will consider a position at Brookfield Zoo. You will have the opportunity to work with a highly dedicated staff of professionals who are committed to animals and conservation.

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