Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) needs energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly people to join the Brookfield Zoo seasonal staff.

The zoo is open every day of the year and recruits seasonal employees heaviest during late winter/early spring of each year to prepare for our peak season from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.  We also recruit during summer, fall, and winter. Seasonal positions are temporary in nature. 

If you are interested in applying for a seasonal position as listed below:

Download, print and complete the seasonal employment application.  Please complete each section in full, sign and date. You may then:
  • Email a scanned copy of the application to greatjobs@CZS.org.
  • Fax to 708-688-8929
  • Drop off at the Zoo's South Gate between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
  • Mail to:
    Brookfield Zoo
    Attn:  HR Dept - N
    3300 Golf Road
    Brookfield, IL 60513


Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V

Seasonal employment opportunities (hourly wage starting at $8.00 per hour) include: 

Assistant Data Analyst
Will assist with analysis and management of visitor and marketing research data and will work closely with full-time staff, as part of the Audience Research Department at the Brookfield Zoo. Responsibilities: Provides assistance with survey research projects that involve understanding different audience needs, exploring guest satisfaction, and assessing guests’ reactions to special exhibits. Primary project tasks will include preparing quantitative and qualitative data to be analyzed and processed, developing statistical programs using SPSS syntax, importing/exporting data files between SPSS and other software packages, manipulating and displaying data using Excel formulas, macros, filters, and/or pivot tables, and conducting various statistical analyses including advanced techniques such as multiple regression. The assistant data analyst may also aid in data entry and help with other aspects of ongoing research projects. Requirements: Strong computer skills in SPSS and Microsoft Access/Excel, a minimum of two years college, G.P.A. 2.5/4.0, majoring in mathematics/statistics, computer science/information management, or a related subject. Minimum two years of experience using SPSS syntax and MS Access and Excel required. Programming skills in SQL, Visual Basic/VBA, HTML, Java/JavaScript, or SPSS Script a plus, but not required. Excellent organizational and communication skills, great customer service skills, and experience working on a team are required. Diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. Hours are flexible. Position requires a commitment of between 8-16 hours/week. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting Salary: $13.90 per hour.

Research Assistant
Research assistants work closely with full-time staff, as part of the Audience Research Department at the zoo helping with seasonal visitor and marketing research. The primary research project will be understanding different audience needs, exploring guest satisfaction, and assessing the zoo’s holiday programs. Projects will include quantitative data collection techniques. Research assistants will aid in data collection and data entry. Searching for applicants with minimum two years relevant college coursework towards a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or other social sciences required. Other possible subject areas include education (especially biology and environmental education), communications, marketing or audience research, and museum studies. Graduate level courses are a plus, but not required. Strong social skills and the ability to interact with strangers essential; excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Experience conducting interviews and/or interacting with the public is desirable, including both adults and children. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are required. Strong computer skills required, with experience in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access preferred and some basic understanding of program evaluation or statistics also preferred. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. Work starts December 1ST and lasts until December 31ST. Hours are on Saturdays and Sundays and a few weekdays from 3:30 to 9 PM, 10 to 15 hours weekly. Starting salary $10.00 per hour.


Why work at Brookfield Zoo? Because Chicago Zoological Society

  • is internationally known and recognized
  • offers seasonal opportunities that can lead to full-time positions
  • offers flexible schedules
  • provides a family-oriented and fun work atmosphere
  • offers the opportunity to learn skills in customer service, restaurant operations, merchandising, and many other areas
For more information, call the zoo's job hotline at (708) 688-8881.

How to apply for a seasonal position listed above:
Download and complete the seasonal employment application.  Please complete each section in full, sign and date. You may then:
  • Email a copy to greatjobs@CZS.org.
  • Fax to 708-688-8929
  • Drop off at the Zoo's South Gate between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
  • Mail to
Brookfield Zoo
Attn:  HR Dept - N
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513

Additional Information
It is CZS's policy that a full background check process be successfully completed on all final candidates once a contingent offer is extended.  Therefore as part of the employment application process, you must also complete and submit a Background Notification and Authorization Form.  Based on the requirements of the position, there may be additional forms required as part of the employment application process which will be sent to you separately if required.  All full-time positions require a valid Illinois drivers license within 90 days of hire (except for out of state residents who must have a valid license from their state of residence).

Chicago Zoological Society is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/V/D

The Chicago Zoological Society is a government contractor subject to Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). These statutes require the Society to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, females, and individuals with disabilities, veterans of the Vietnam era, special disabled veterans, other protected veterans, and recently separated veterans. If you belong to one of these protected groups and would like to be considered under the affirmative action program, please tell us (download the Voluntary Self Identification Form PDF). You may inform us of your desire to benefit under the program at this time and/or at any time in the future. The information will assist us in meeting our affirmative action obligations and/or in making any reasonable accommodations necessary if you are disabled. Our affirmative action program contains policies and procedures to assure compliance with our Section 503 and VEVRAA obligations. Submission of this information is purely voluntary and choosing not to disclose this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

Need more info?