Motor Safari - Adventure Guide (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

16h • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Adventure Guide (seasonal) contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) and the goals of providing an extraordinary guest experience and to BZC’s goal of financial sustainability by helping to generate revenue through the operation of the Motor Safari trams, buses, and attractions. Specifically, responsible for transporting guests on designated routes throughout the park, narrating tours, operating the attractions, providing transportation for events, providing access control function at Motor Safari stations and attractions, and responding to inquiries, providing strong customer service and portraying a good example of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission.
This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade GS006-2 with a pay rate of $17.80 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below 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 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. 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 starting as early as 8:00 a.m. is strongly desired. This position requires the ability to operate a large vehicle through crowds of people and speak on a microphone. It also requires work in a variety of weather conditions. Minimum age of 18 and valid driver's license required.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate well with the public required.
• Accurate basic math and reading skills required.
• Must be flexible and patient.
• English fluency at a working professional proficiency.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.).
• Prior customer service related experience.
• Six months of prior driving experience transporting people preferred, but not required.
• Theatrical or public speaking experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide the highest level of quality customer service while representing Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a professional manner at all times. Provide assistance and directions to guests.
• Deliver extensive park narratives on Motor Safari trams and buses while driving in a safe, conscientious manner, including through large crowds. May provide narrated Wildlife Walking Tours throughout Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
• Learn approved tour materials and communicate special event and other information as directed.
• Accountable for following and enforcing all applicable institutional policies and procedures and departmental protocols.
• Provide a neat, clean appearance of self, vehicle, tram areas, and attraction areas at all times, which includes washing and cleaning vehicles and the Carousel.
• Provide the access control function for Motor Safari and at attractions by ensuring all guests boarding possess a ticket or membership card and are scanned prior to entry.
• Assist with operating permanent and other assigned attractions in a safe manner following established procedures. Perform and maintain daily operational checklists.
• Maintain a high level of vigilance in supervising guest safety and attraction operation.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED