Admissions Attendant
Admissions Attendants greet and introduce guests to the zoo experience at admission/ticket booths throughout the zoo. Must quickly and efficiently accommodate the guests’ admissions needs, provide information and remain accurate and accountable for all transactions on a cash register system. Excellent communication and people skills required. Some experience interacting with the public desirable. Position requires holiday and weekend work as needed. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Salary: $8.00/hour
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.
Banquet Server
Acts as server at food and beverage functions held at the zoo. Assisting with setting up the dining, reception and staging areas for scheduled events by referring to the Banquet Event Order (BEO). Organize bussing station and prepare coffee service, champagne, butter, and bread baskets. Follow safe food handling procedures in accordance with established food service sanitation practices. Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, outstanding customer service orientation and attention to detail. Ability to maintain 100% customer satisfaction under pressure and with deadlines required. Ability to work well with little supervision and available to work weekends, holidays and late evening events required. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting salary $11.00 per hour.
Banquet Set-Up
Responsible for the set-up and break down of all meetings and banquet events as they are listed on the Banquet Event Order (BEO). Assist all Catered Events staff and zoo staff in the execution of events. High School diploma or equivalent training and experience preferred. One-year banquet/catering experience desired. Requires strong customer service skills and ability to work well with minimal supervision. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines. Ability to routinely lift a minimum of 50 pounds required. This seasonal position requires a flexible, creative person who is able to work weekends and evenings as required. Catered Events employees may be scheduled to work morning, afternoon or evening functions. Employees are scheduled to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and work as late as 2:00 a.m. Valid driver’s license required. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting salary $8.65 per hour.
Bartender (Seasonal)
Prepare drinks for the wait staff to serve to guests. Prepare bar for daily operation by referring to the Banquet Event Order (BEO). Insure proper quantities of supplies of product are on hand to cover the days needs, including alcohol, juices, water, soda, fruit, lexons, ice, napkins, and glassware. Prepare all drinks to specified recipes. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Bartenders school certificate preferred. Experience as a bartender preferred and strong customer service skills. Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple projects and activities. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines. Ability to work independently. Requires a flexible work schedule- evening, weekend and holiday hours required. Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents 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 $11.00 per hour.
Camp and Specialty Programs Counselor
Camp and Specialty Programs Counselor will facilitate all camp and specialty programs activities for school aged children, in grades pre-school – 8 th. Counselors will present planned thematic units to campers, supervise campers throughout different zoo exhibits, and facilitate projects and games in the classroom for various specialty programs and overnight programs. Counselors will prepare and organize all daily materials and maintain classroom organization. Counselors must represent Brookfield Zoo in an appropriate manner to campers, families of enrolled campers and zoo visitors. Counselors will work Monday – Friday, up to 40 hours each camp program week. Camp program runs from June – August, 2010. Hours and days for Specialty Programs will vary during the year. Requires at least 1 year experience working with school aged children, preferably in grades pre-K-8. Starting salary $12.00 per hour.
Custodian (Janitor)/Matron
Responsible for performing janitorial type duties in various type buildings throughout the park ensuring a sanitary environment for employees, animal collection and guests and in conformance with operating programs. The majority of these services are provided during business hours, during peak visitation periods in restroom facilities throughout the park. Inspect work areas for safety hazards and report such to shift coordinator. Knowledge of general cleaning equipment such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, janitorial materials and media is a plus. Must be at least 16years of age. Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math. Strong communication skills required. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Salary: $9.25/hour.
Dishwasher
This position is required to clean all dishes, glasses, flatware, pots, pans, equipment, etc. for the Catered Events Department. The position is also responsible for the proper cleaning and storage of all service pieces. Washes and scrubs all dishes, flatware, utensils pots, pans and equipment to departmental specifications. Sorts flatware and stores all dishes, glasses flatware and all kitchenware in their proper vessels/storage areas. Takes out trash throughout the day and at the end of the day. Cleanly sweeps and mops the kitchen floor throughout the day and at the end of the day. Helps plate up food when needed. High school diploma or equivalent training or experience preferred. Strong customer service and organizational skills required. Must be prompt and reliable. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. This seasonal position requires a flexible, creative person who is able to work weekends, evenings and holidays as required. Dishwashers are scheduled to start at approximately 6:30 p.m. and work as late as 2:00 a.m. Starting salary $ 8.65 per hour.
Food Service Attendant
Food Service Attendants prepare food, operate a cash register, bus tables and serve zoo guests at food locations throughout the zoo. Additional duties include cleaning, stocking, taking physical inventories and providing assistance and information to guests. Must quickly and efficiently accommodate the guests’ needs and remain accurate and accountable for all transactions on a cash register system. Excellent communication and people skills required. Some experience interacting with the public desirable. Position requires holiday and weekend work as needed. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting pay $8.30/hour.
Internal Auditor (Seasonal)
In association with department internal auditing program performs physical inventories, cycle counts and cash audits for the Guest Services department at various retail and food locations. Good math skills with proven attention to detail required and previous experience in a retail or cash handling environment preferred. Some college courses with accounting or law enforcement curriculum preferred but not required. The position requires a person with a flexible schedule, willing to work weekends and holidays. Hours of work will vary depending on the needs of the operation and special project requirements. Schedule: Approx 40 hours per week June-August, approx 20 hours per week January-May, September-December. Starting salary $ 10.00 per hour.
Line Cook (Catered Events)
Initiates all actions necessary to carry out food preparation and presentation as dictated by the orders received by the Chef in the kitchen. Assists the Chef with all production, cleaning and storage of all restaurant and picnic product and equipment. Prepares all food requisitions necessary to prepare all items offered on the menu. Insures that all food is prepared according to standard recipe and presented in a consistent manner. Maintains a physical presence in the kitchen/picnic tent during dining hours. Washes, utensils and equipment to department specifications. Maintain a safe clean work environment. Follows established food service sanitation practices. Minimum 1 year experience working as a line cook in a restaurant environment. Cooking school certificate preferred with food management courses included in the curriculum. Strong customer service and organizational skills. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines. This position requires holiday and weekend availability and ability to work non-standard hours/shifts. Valid Illinois drivers license required. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting salary $9.05 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: $11.00 per hour
Membership Data Entry Clerk
Assists the Lead Processor in all data entry, demographic and financial, for the Membership department. Balance Onsite Sales. Process onsite membership applications by validating the completed data and, by batch, totaling the combined sales amount. Reconcile this sale amount with expected totals. Create or update Membership and/or Animal Adoption records in Raiser’s Edge database. Post Membership Gifts. In batches, post membership financial gifts (dues) by linking the gift to the member’s record and renew the membership with the benefits and premium items that correlate to the chosen level. Assist Membership Services staff in answering phones, addressing member concerns, managing member expectations, seeking resolutions to problems expeditiously, fulfilling member requests, and efficiently providing these services in a professional demeanor befitting the expectations of the Society. High school diploma or equivalent training or experience preferred. Organizational and analytical skills desired. Minimum one year database experience preferred. Accurate basic math skills required. Basic computer skills required. Accurate typing of 30 wpm. Ability to accurately enter a minimum of 25 memberships per hour within 3 weeks of employment Strong customer service skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Eye for detail, completeness, and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information. Ability to handle multiple priorities. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. This seasonal position requires the ability to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends. After school hours available from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. or 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Starting pay $9.00/hour.
Merchandise Attendant
Merchandise Attendants sell souvenir and gift items at merchandise locations throughout the zoo. Duties include operating a cash register, cleaning merchandise locations, stocking and pricing merchandise, setting up displays, taking physical inventories and assisting guests with purchases. Must quickly and efficiently accommodate the guests’ merchandise needs and remain accurate and accountable for all transactions on a cash register system. Excellent communication and people skills required. Some experience interacting with the public desirable. Position requires holiday and weekend work as needed. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Starting salary $8.00 per hour.
Play Partner
This position in the Hamill Family Play Zoo provides unique opportunities for children age birth to10 to connect with animals and nature through creative expression, play, and direct contact with plants and live animals. Sets up, disperses, and cleans up materials on a regular basis in indoor and outdoor settings. Provides parents and caregivers with ideas and approaches to help create caring attitudes towards animals and nature and models caring behaviors. Monitors safety of all guests at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. High school diploma required. College degree in education, liberal arts or related field is preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. Must be able to work weekends and holidays, as well as evenings. Starting salary $12.00 per hour.
Play Program Assistant
Assists Play Partners and the Hamill Family Play Zoo Volunteers with all daily play program activities, including helping visitors with projects in the workshop, greenhouse and other play settings. Provides daily program preparation support and assists with ongoing setup and cleanup of the various play settings. Assists in the preparation and facilitation of play programs for children, aged birth to 10 years in both indoor and outdoor settings. Must be a minimum of 16 years old and have the ability to work in a team environment. Must have a genuine interest in nature, animals, and children. Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio preferred. Previous experience working with children of different ages strongly preferred. Starting salary $8.00 per hour.
Prep Cook (Seasonal)
Responsible for the timely preparation of all food items ordered by the Food Service Outlets through the Food Service Commissary. Prepares, assembles and packages food items such as salads, sandwiches, parfaits, and other grab n go items for sale in the Food Service outlets. Cuts produce, breads and cheeses. Assists in cleaning the kitchen and equipment at the end of the day. High school diploma or equivalent training or experience preferred. One year experience as a prep cook in a restaurant or experience in a deli environment is preferred. Strong customer service and organizational skills required. This seasonal position requires the incumbent to work non-standard hours such as evenings, weekends and holidays. The schedule is between 10:00 am and 10:00 p.m. daily. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Salary: $9.05/hour.
Research Assistant
Research Assistants work closely with full-time staff as part of the Audience Research Department at the zoo. Research projects include understanding different audience needs, exploring guest satisfaction, and assessing special exhibits. Projects will include quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Research assistants will aid in data collection (mostly outdoors) and data entry, and may help with other aspects of ongoing research projects such as pilot testing new methodologies. Minimum two years relevant college coursework towards a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or other social sciences required. Applicants with strong interpersonal skills, a background in psychology, biology, environmental education, or other social sciences, familiarity with computers and some basic understanding of statistics are preferred. Excellent organizational and communication skills, experience interacting with the public, and experience working on a team are desirable. Spanish fluency a plus. Work starts in late May and lasts until early September. Hours are flexible, but position does require holiday and weekend work as needed. Part-time positions are available. Starting salary $10.00 per hour.
Roving Naturalist
The Chicago Zoological Society is looking for energetic, outgoing, motivated individuals with strong communication and people skills and a love of animals to join our team this summer from March 2009 through September 2009 in our Roving Naturalist program. You will interpret live arthropods such as grasshoppers, scorpions, and millipedes in addition to providing engaging interactive interpretation for zoo visitors through presentations, encounters and activities daily throughout the park. By gaining familiarity with a variety of zoo exhibits you will also play the important role of helping visitors have an exciting, educational experience at Brookfield Zoo’s Butterflies! and other exhibits. Candidates must be outgoing, independent, able to work well with little supervision and be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Must have completed at least 1 year of college with Environmental Education experience strongly preferred. Valid Illinois driver’s license required. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Salary: $9.50/hour
Seasonal Keeper- Children’s Zoo
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 at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Starting pay $9.50 per hour.
Seasonal Keeper- Mammals
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 at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Starting pay $9.50 per hour.
Seasonal Keeper- Primates
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 at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Starting pay $9.50 per hour.
Warehouse Stockperson
Warehouse Stockperson will collate requests, pull and deliver requested stock such as perishable food, resalable merchandise, office supplies and support items requested by restaurants, food and merchandise locations, gift shops and other zoo departments. Drives and operates various warehouse vehicles and equipment such as carts, forklifts, and trucks in order to load and unload shipments. Must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Illinois driver’s license with a good driving record. Must be reliable, neat, highly organized, and accurate and possess excellent customer service skills. Position requires holiday and weekend work as needed. Starting salary $8.65 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
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.
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