NatureStart Programs - Play Partner (Seasonal) weekends & summer

Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Street; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for enthusiastic Play Partners to create engaging experiences for children at a renowned zoo. This seasonal role involves facilitating play and connecting young visitors with nature and animals in a fun environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, flexibility, and a passion for wildlife conservation. Join a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders while enjoying the unique opportunity to work in a vibrant setting that promotes learning and discovery.

Qualifications

• Experience in facilitation of play or Early Childhood Education.
• Fluency in English and strong communication skills with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate play experiences with children aged birth-10.
• Set up and clean play materials daily.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Communication Skills

Team Player

Cultural Competency

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Join the PRIDE!

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Play Partner (seasonal) contributes to the success of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by facilitating play experiences in the Hamill Family Play Zoo for children, newborns to age 10. The role aims to provide fun and meaningful ways to connect children with animals and nature, and to equip adults with approaches and encouragement to help children develop caring attitudes towards the natural world, supporting BZC's mission.

Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings. We are seeking staff who are minimally available to work a flexible, varied schedule of up to 25-30 hours per week from May to August, and weekends the rest of the year.

This is a seasonal, non-union hourly position, grade S009, paying $19.85 per hour (effective 04.01.25). For benefits information, please visit our Benefits Table.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate play with children aged birth-10, including holding live animals, in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Set up, disperse, and clean up materials daily; responsible for equipment and property care.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as assigned.
• Assist volunteers as directed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Functions

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two months of paid or volunteer experience in facilitation of play, arts, drama, music, working with volunteers, Early Childhood Education, or related fields.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work effectively with the public.
• Strong communication skills with children and caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
• Enthusiastic, flexible team player capable of working in a stimulating environment.
• Cultural competency and ability to interact effectively with a diverse audience.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of experience, coursework in relevant fields, experience in zoo, aquarium, museum, or art environments.
• Basic computer literacy; experience with Microsoft Outlook preferred.
• Creative skills such as musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, naturalist, etc.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Polish, or other languages a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position requires a genuine interest in nature and animals, willingness to learn play facilitation skills, and ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Incumbents should incorporate BZC's mission, vision, and values into their work, follow policies, and participate in ongoing training. This is a temporary, seasonal position.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.

BENEFIT INFORMATION

For detailed benefits, visit this link.

We are pleased you are considering joining our team at BZC. Benefits vary based on union status and pay grade.

WORK SCHEDULE AND MISSION

Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days annually. The role may require non-traditional hours, including holidays, weekends, mornings, and evenings. Our mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. BZC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.