Seasonal Park Services Team Member (Festival of Lights 2026)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden•Cincinnati, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is hiring seasonal Park Services Team Members to help provide guests with a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Team members perform janitorial and groundskeeping work in public and behind-the-scenes areas, maintain cleanliness and safety standards, and help guests with basic questions, directions, and support. The role involves working outdoors in varied weather and assisting during regular operating hours and special events. The position is seasonal and non-benefitted. The season runs from March 1, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with an anticipated start date of August 19, 2026, and work continuing through fall and Festival of Lights. Hours vary, up to 35 per week and no more than 1,500 annually. Team members must generally be available at least three days per week, including one weekend day, for at least seven hours per available day. Students may initially offer availability for two days per week, increasing to three when classes end. Shifts are typically 5–8 hours and may include evenings, occasional after-hours events, and shifts as late as midnight. The Zoo seeks energetic, detail-oriented, self-motivated team members who can prioritize tasks, work independently or collaboratively, interact positively with guests, and adapt on the job. Candidates should be willing and able to engage with the public in a friendly manner and have an interest in wildlife and connecting people with nature. Prior housekeeping, groundskeeping, or park services experience is encouraged but not required. Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Requirements

Be at least 16 years old; minors must provide a work permit when applicable.
Work outdoors in all climates and weather conditions, with prolonged stationary positions or frequent movement.
Be able to lift, move, or carry up to 50 pounds without assistance.
Be willing and able to engage with the public in a positive and friendly manner.
Be able to complete the job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
Pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Be available at least three days per week, including one Saturday or Sunday, and at least seven hours per available day; students may initially provide availability for two days per week until classes are over.
Be available for variable shifts, including evenings and occasional after-hours events.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in housekeeping, groundskeeping, or park services.
Enthusiasm and energy for creating a safe, welcoming, and clean atmosphere.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated approach and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Willingness to initiate friendly interactions with guests.
Willingness to adapt and learn on the job.
Passion for wildlife and connecting people with nature.

Responsibilities

Perform janitorial and groundskeeping duties, including sweeping, litter collection, trash removal, and restroom cleaning.
Maintain high cleanliness standards and respond promptly to guest and team member needs.
Ensure areas are clean and monitor proper use of supplies and equipment.
Serve as a visible, approachable representative of the Zoo and assist guests with basic questions, directions, and support.
Perform special cleaning assignments during regular operating hours and events, assisting Zoo staff in areas needing special or immediate attention.
Report equipment malfunctions, breakages, and losses.
Follow the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s safety and security policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive pay starting at $15 per hour.
Opportunities for performance-based pay increases.
Flexible scheduling to accommodate students and retirees.
Complimentary Zoo tickets and employee discounts.
Incentive programs and employee engagement opportunities.
A fun, team-oriented work environment.
Free Metro Bus pass for the duration of employment.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Hands-on training and team engagement.
Opportunities to build valuable and transferable skills, improve interpersonal communication, strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving, and gain experience in operational support, facility care, and guest service.