This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing services to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals contributing to BZC’s goal of providing extraordinary guest experiences. Controls access at gates and assists with protecting BZC’s assets. This is an unarmed, public safety position. No PERC card required. Strong customer service skills and ability to work calmly under pressure and use good judgement a must. Minimum age 16 and valid driver’s license required.
This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade GS002 with a pay rate of $16.60 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.
We are seeking to fill multiple positions starting as early as March as we kick off the season with our Glow Wild lantern festival taking place March 19 to May 10, Thursday – Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. We are seeking enthusiastic, friendly people, with excellent customer service skills to work various shifts averaging from 4 to 8 hours in length based on the needs of the operation, with work schedules typically starting as early as 8:00 AM and ending as late as 7:00 PM (and 10:00 PM on weekends or for special events). This is more than just a summer job as Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days a year. We especially appreciate candidates who can commit to consistent weekday availability throughout the year and at least one day per weekend. Early morning availability a plus! If assigned to the employee/service entrance, shifts may start as early as 4:00 a.m. and end as late as 11:00 p.m. or later. A majority of the work is outdoors in all weather conditions and requires a lot of walking and standing.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
1. * Provide courteous, friendly assistance and directions to guests, maintaining the highest level of customer service while representing Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a professional manner. 2. * Observe activities of staff, guests and park grounds to identify risks or hazards. Report risk or hazards to appropriate staff in Public Safety immediately. 3. * Prior to park opening, verify that employees, vendors, visitors and contractors have authorization to enter the park by identification, the Gate List or through other means. 4. * Assist night officers and night keepers with communication needs while working night shift at the South Gate booth. Monitor and keep a log of persons as they enter the South Gate after hours. Keep an accurate log of keys and radios turned in at the South Gate booth. Answer calls and give directions and assistance to employees entering the park after hours. 5. * Maintain familiarity with the park and its attractions to enthusiastically and accurately relay information to guests. Follow and enforce all applicable BZC policies, rules, and department procedures, including but not limited to the “No Feeding of Animals” policy and preventing guests from harassing wildlife, ensuring the general safety of the guests and the animals, preventing guests from climbing on rockwork, over fences or barriers, and entering hazardous areas. 6. * Inform supervisor(s) of unusual situations or difficulties. Resolve minor problems and, in the case of major emergencies involving guests or animals, take appropriate action such as clearing exhibits, contacting appropriate staff in the Police Department, and following established emergency procedures. 7. * Provide traffic direction and parking assistance to guests. 8. * Provide general park information such as exhibit information, show times of special attractions, and directions and details about daily special activities or animal news. Assist guests with lost persons, guest transports, and lost and found. Inspect and maintain equipment, such as golf carts and portable radios under the directions of supervisor(s). Assist with park clearing and the opening and closing of certain building(s) at prescribed times. 9. * Assist supervisor(s) with special assignments as needed, requested or instructed, such as, tallying and maintenance of department records. Know and abide by the rules and regulations, procedures and requirements contained in the current PSO manual. 10. * Monitor and supervise crowded areas such as Great Bear Wilderness, Tropic World, and Seven Seas and perform line management as needed. Maintain good public and employee relations. Provide assistance and directions to guests and staff including effective resolution of complaints, escalating as appropriate. 11. * Relieve the dispatch desk as assigned. Promptly answer calls to the station and dispatch Police units accordingly. Maintain incident cards for responding units. 12. Other related duties as assigned. *Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS: • Strong customer service skills. • Ability to work effectively and calmly under pressure. • Must be responsible and able to work with minimal supervision. • Conscientious, reliable individual with good decision-making skills. • Good communications and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public. • English fluency at a professional proficiency required. • Ability to work with and around trained K9s. • Must be able to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends. • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. • Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred. • Ability to use a hand-held radio and emergency fire extinguisher. • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This temporary position requires a high level of customer service. Incumbent must be able to learn BZC policies and departmental procedures and standards. Police K9s are housed and operate out of the Police Department building. These dogs are trained K9s that are approachable, friendly, and socially trained to work with staff and guests. As the dogs spend time in and around the Police building, shedding and dander are always present.
PHYSICAL-MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: See Physical-Mental Requirements Form. 000069
BENEFITS SUMMARY
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer. Non-Union Seasonal Employees Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors. Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.
