Animal Experiences Supervisor Seasonal

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Experiences Supervisor Seasonal is a seasonal, hourly position grade GS008 with pay rate of $17.85 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). High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required and minimum age 18 required.
The Animal Experiences Supervisor is not a hands-on animal care position. Ideal candidates for the Animal Experiences Supervisor 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.
The Animal Experiences Supervisor Seasonal position 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 oversee and support Ambassadors, Animal Experiences ensuring a high standard of engagement, education and safety across all department areas.

Requirements

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• One year prior experience in a team lead or supervisory capacity responsible for guiding and supporting staff to achieve daily operational goals.
• One year of customer service-related work experience required.
• Proven experience safely working around or with live animals, with a strong understanding of animal observation, enrichment, and welfare principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage guests in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Dependable and punctual, with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to work with little supervision required.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience and team.
• Strong alignment with the mission, values, and community impact goals of Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Nice To Haves

• Background or coursework in natural history, zoology, or animal science related preferred.
• Prior interpretative experience helpful.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support staff facilitating guest-animal interactions, ensuring a high standard of engagement, education, and safety across all species experiences, 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 and report any unusual activity or concerns to Animal Care Specialists in a clear and objective manner.
• Assist the Manager, Animal Experiences with coordinating weekday/weekend operations. Act as a point of contact for Ambassadors, Animal Experiences providing timely resolution and support. Monitor and respond to radio traffic as appropriate – make general announcements, provide park-wide updates to team members.
• Enforce and monitor adherence to BZC policies, operational procedures, and safety protocols across shared animal areas; intervene and correct as needed.
• Assist with staff training and ongoing development of staff in emergency procedures, BZC policies, animal observation, and interpretative techniques.
• Coordinate with relevant departments and serve as the primary point of contact for behavioral or safety concerns related to animals or guests, ensuring accurate and timely radio communication.
• Oversee logistics and staff for behind-the-scenes experiences, ensuring efficient guest check-in, smooth transitions, and consistent program delivery.
• Be well versed in the execution of daily Penguin Encounter programs, ensuring staff provide engaging conservation messaging and collaborate effectively with Animal Care Specialists.
• Maintain and ensure team proficiency in the natural history and individual identification of animals.
• Review animal observation reports made by Animal Experience staff, escalating concerns to Animal Care Specialists.
• Supervise food preparation and distribution processes during giraffe feeding experience, ensuring adherence to safety and hygiene protocols while maintaining a high-quality educational guest experience.
• Conduct regular shift and area check-ins with team members and provide coaching, support, and recognition to promote continuous improvement and morale. Communicate employee performance issues and operational concerns to Manager, Animal Experiences.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED