Chicago Zoological Society

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:

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

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

IS Support Specialist (Seasonal)
This position promptly answers and responds to IS support requests and informational calls, e-mails, and voice mails sent to the IS Help Desk. Installs, updates, reconfigures, and/or troubleshoots PC software to meet internal customer requirements, as assigned. Relocates PCs as needed. Maintains hardware and/or software inventory of the Society’s IS assets. Maintains a reliable and stable desktop environment for all Society-supported PC systems. Performs hardware and/or software PC upgrades, minor repairs, and new installations to desktop systems, as needed. High school diploma or equivalent required. Some relevant college coursework preferred. Minimum one year relevant experience to include installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting of PCs and PC software, including the MS Office Suite; two years relevant experience preferred. Experience with MCSE, MOS, A+ Certification, Dell DCSE, and/or Cisco CCNE a plus. Minimum one year experience working with W98/2000/XP; two years preferred. Must have demonstrated good problem-solving and decision-making skills. Must have ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and meet planned and unplanned deadlines. Must have good oral and written communication skills. Must maintain confidentiality of information and respect customer privacy. Prior experience troubleshooting telephone and voice mail systems preferred. Incumbent must have ability to work non-standard hours, including holidays and weekends. Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting salary: $15.20 per hour.

Marketing Special Events Outreach Associate
Responsible for the set-up and breakdown of all Marketing/Special Events at the zoo and provides support for zoo outreach programs in the community and will be Brookfield Zoo ambassadors at weekend festivals and events outside the confines of the park. They will be responsible for such things as the scheduling, transporting, staffing, and upkeep of the zoo's outreach booth as well as learning and delivering a variety of information, materials and activities related to the zoo and animals. Will assist in the event set-up, execution and tear-down including the set up and take down of tables, chairs, and canopies. Sets up craft activities and assists with crafts as necessary. Erects banners and signage for zoo events. Sets up and monitors sound equipment, troubleshooting any problems. Delivers supplies and/or product samples, etc. to designated event areas in the zoo. Escorts entertainment and media within the park and transports equipment. Dresses in costume and escorts costume characters as needed and participates in non-event day activities such as local parades. Requires a High School diploma or equivalent training and experience. Pursuing a degree in marketing or communications desired. Must have strong customer service skills. Must be available to work weekdays, weekends, holidays and evenings. Valid Illinois driver's license required for Illinois residents within 30 days of hire. Valid driver’s license for out-of-state residents. Starting salary: $11.30 per hour

Seasonal Craftsman – Exhibits
Perform semi-skilled and skilled crafts duties throughout the park with guidance, ensuring services provided meet section standards, client’s specifications, applicable codes and standards, program goals and are aesthetically pleasing. Perform routine craft tasks, as well as those associated with preventive maintenance, special repair projects, capital construction, special events, emergency/safety, unanticipated special repairs, unanticipated capital projects and overhead. Work cooperatively with peers, managers and clients. Perform general shop cleaning and cleaning of exhibit signage. Ensure allocated resources are properly utilized. Provide manager and supervisor with information relating to needed repairs and improvements in facilities and exhibits. Ensure all work performed meets set standards and specifications and complies with established quality control standards. Perform tasks associated with the section’s standard operating procedures, which includes equipment and shop maintenance, safety, and inventory. Participates in the execution of routine maintenance or repair projects. Assist with routine inspections of exhibits and facilities as assigned. Advise manager/supervisor of needed repairs and clients requests. Advise manager/supervisor of resource needs. Ensure projects take place with least amount of encroachment upon guests and the animal collection. Assist in ensuring that proper signage is utilized and safety barricades are in place. Ensure work being performed meets specified quality control standards. Perform craftsman tasks associated with the section’s functional programs as assigned. Routinely inspect functional, structural and aesthetic systems in exhibits and facilities and perform minor repairs and maintenance as assigned. Adheres to exhibits and facilities section operating program standards. Perform crafts work to specified quality standards. High School graduate or GED equivalent required. Minimum one year general construction experience required. Must be at least 18 years of age. Good communication and interpersonal skills required. Ability to work well with minimal supervision, independently and in a team required. Must have ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility. Familiarity with relevant codes related to field desired. Familiarity with general construction techniques, to include hand and power tool operation desired. Ability to perform all tasks as directed. Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. The typical schedule for this position is Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Craftsmen are assigned to work in various exhibits and facilities throughout the park as well as in the Crafts shop. Seasonal Craftsmen must supply their own steel-toed work boots, which must be worn at all times when working. Starting salary: $9.50 per hour.

Seasonal Keeper- Seven Seas
Under close supervision, provide general care for animals and perform related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area. Inform, assist, and direct guests as necessary. Prepare and distribute food as directed. Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keep animal records as assigned. Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Report maintenance needs. Perform minor maintenance tasks as assigned. Clean animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned. Monitor guests to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property. Communicate with and assist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit. Demonstrate knowledge of and implement zoo-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. High school graduate or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience. Animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience required. Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely. Good interpersonal skills. Requires the ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Spanish fluency a plus. Must be a minimum of 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. SCUBA Certification required upon hire. This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Starting salary: $9.50per 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:

Additional Information

Need more info?

• Frequently Asked Questions
• View a list of current full-time and part-time job opportunities.
• Internships and College Work Study Opportunities
• Map or Directions
• How to Apply

 

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

Please be aware that the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo, is committed to equal employment opportunity and takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.  To help us maintain our commitment to affirmative action, we ask that you please answer the questions on the Voluntary Self-Disclosure form (download the Voluntary Self Identification Form PDF).   The information will be used solely for recordkeeping and reporting purposes.  Submission of this information is purely voluntary and choosing not to disclose this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.  The form is to be returned to the Chicago Zoological Society’s Human Resources Department.  It will be kept separate from your application for employment.  We appreciate your willingness to assist us.