Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!
The Animal Experience Ambassador Seasonal is a seasonal, hourly position grade GS005-2 with pay rate of $17.00 per hour. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.
Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year, the work schedule involves working various shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We especially appreciate candidates who can commit to consistent weekday availability throughout the year. To ensure that BZC can provide reliable service and maintain a consistent quality experience for our guests, availability of a minimum of three days per week including one day on the weekend is strongly desired. Shifts typically range from 4 to 8 hours based on operational needs, with work schedules 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). Minimum age 18 required.
The Animal Experience Ambassador Seasonal is not a hands-on animal care position. Ideal candidates for the Ambassador, Animal Experience Seasonal position will have a background or interest in areas such as conservation education, environmental education, wildlife education, outdoor education, zoo education, conservation outreach, public programs, nature programs, animal science, zoology, natural history, biology, ecology, nature education, public speaking, or interpretive guide.
This Animal Experience Ambassador Seasonal contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by engaging guests and providing informative and innovative education to increase guests’ appreciation of animals and nature and to contribute to providing an exceptional guest experience. The basic function of this position is to facilitate engaging guest interactions with a variety of animals, ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals & guests.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
1. *Observe/monitor interactive animal areas, ensuring a high standard of engagement, education, and safety across all areas, including but not limited to the Goat & Wallaby yards, Parakeet & Butterfly Aviaries, Reticulated giraffe feedings, along with a variety of behind-the-scenes experiences. Observe animal behavior closely reporting any unusual activity or concerns to Supervisor, Animal Experiences and/or Animal Care Specialists. 2. *Engage Zoo guests in celebrating animals and nature by interpreting animals and nature in assigned areas. 3. *Facilitate behind-the-scenes experiences, ensuring efficient guest check-in, smooth transitions, and consistent program delivery. 4. *Facilitate daily Penguin Encounter programs, providing engaging conservation messaging, animal information, and collaborate effectively with Animal Care Specialists. 5. *Uphold Zoo policies and safety protocols within shared animal areas. Escalate to Supervisor/Manager as needed. 6. *Attend meetings and training sessions as assigned. 7. *Communicate effectively interdepartmentally, ensuring accurate and timely radio communication. 8. *Maintain proficiency in the natural history and individual identification of animals. 9. *Escalate abnormal or concerning animal observations to Supervisor, Animal Experiences in a clear and objective manner. 10. *Prepare and distribute food to guests during giraffe feeding experience, ensuring adherence to safety and hygiene protocols while maintaining a high-quality educational guest experience. 11. *Active participation in regular shift and area check-ins with fellow team members and provide support and recognition to promote continuous improvement and morale. 12. Other related duties as assigned.
* Denotes Essential Job Function(s) POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must be able to work well with others and able to take and follow directions carefully. • Must be willing and able to work near and/or with a variety of animal species including, but not limited to mammals, birds, invertebrates, etc. • Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in emergency situations. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage guests in a courteous and professional manner. • Ability to communicate with the public required. • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience and team. • Dependable and punctual, with a strong sense of responsibility. • English fluency at a professional working proficiency. • Strong alignment with the mission, values, and community impact goals of Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • High school diploma or education equivalent (e.g., GED.) preferred. • Background or coursework in natural history, zoology, or animal science preferred. • Prior interpretative experience helpful. • Interest in animal and/or conservation education. • Demonstrate a positive and team-oriented attitude. • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel preferred.
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.
Animal Experiences positions are physically active roles that require stamina and adaptability. Team members must be able to stand for extended periods, walk between various animal habitats, lift and carry materials, and work outdoors in a range of weather conditions. This position does not provide direct, hands-on animal care. Must have the ability to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends. Incumbent must have ability to learn and follow BZC policies and departmental procedures and standards.
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.
001373/GS005s2/021026 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 open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings. The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. 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.
