Motor Safari - Adventure Guide & Tram Driver (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Street; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant team at a renowned zoo, where you'll play a vital role in enhancing guest experiences. As a seasonal position, you'll operate trams and buses, ensuring safety while providing engaging tours. This role requires strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Enjoy a dynamic work environment with flexible hours, and be part of a mission that connects people to wildlife and nature. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and love interacting with guests, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Mental Health Support

401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

Flexible Hours

Diverse Work Environment

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
• Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality customer service and assist guests with directions.
• Deliver narrated tours safely, including through large crowds.
• Manage access control for attractions and ensure guest compliance.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Basic Math Skills

Flexibility

Cultural Competency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join the PRIDE!

This seasonal non-union hourly position at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) contributes to providing an extraordinary guest experience and supports BZC's financial sustainability by operating Motor Safari trams, buses, and attractions. Responsibilities include transporting guests, narrating tours, operating attractions, providing transportation for events, managing access control at Motor Safari stations and Carousel, and responding to guest inquiries with excellent customer service.

The position is classified as grade GS006-2 with a pay rate of $17.80 per hour (effective 04.01.25). For benefits information, please visit our Benefits Table or refer to the benefits details provided below after this description.

Brookfield Zoo operates 363 days a year. The work schedule includes various shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Candidates who can commit to at least three days per week, including one weekend day, are preferred. Shifts typically last 4 to 8 hours, starting as early as 8:00 AM and ending as late as 7:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends or for special events. The role requires operating large vehicles in crowds, speaking on a microphone, and working in diverse weather conditions. A minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license are required.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide high-quality customer service and assist guests with directions.
2. Deliver narrated tours on Motor Safari trams and buses safely, including through large crowds, and conduct walking tours.
3. Learn and communicate approved tour materials and special event information.
4. Follow all institutional policies, departmental protocols, and safety procedures.
5. Maintain a neat appearance and keep vehicles and attraction areas clean.
6. Manage access control for Motor Safari and Carousel, ensuring guests have valid tickets or memberships.
7. Assist with operating attractions like the Carousel and Virtual Reality, performing safety checks and daily operational tasks.
8. Assist with Mold-A-Rama machine filling and other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Flexibility, patience, and cultural competency.
• Valid driver's license required; Illinois residents must obtain one within 90 days if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in customer service.
• Driving experience transporting people.
• Theatrical or public speaking experience.
• Multilingual abilities, especially Spanish.

Additional Information:

This role involves a high level of customer service, adherence to policies, and working non-standard hours, including evenings, holidays, and weekends. The position may require random drug testing under Illinois law.

Benefits:

See the provided link for detailed benefits, which include mental health support, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions after one year, and other perks. Benefits may vary based on union status and pay grade.

Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days annually, and schedules may include non-traditional hours. Our mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. We are an equal opportunity employer.