Phillips Park Zoo - Seasonal Worker 2026

Aurora Il; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Aurora is seeking Phillips Park Zoo Seasonal Worker 2026 to join the animal care and maintenance team. This on-site, part-time role runs roughly March through November and involves caring for animals, operating the tram, and maintaining grounds and exhibits.

Ideal candidates will have strong safety awareness around animals, the ability to follow verbal instructions, and the capacity to work with the public. A driving license in Illinois is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to work safely around animals.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal instructions.
• Must be licensed to drive in Illinois.
• Ability to interact with the public and perform scripted presentations.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers positively and effectively.
• Ability to complete tasks independently, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must pass a physical, drug screen, and background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning animal habitats and holding areas, as directed.
• Diet preparation and feeding.
• Assisting with medical care/animal restraints.
• Maintain exhibit and life support system.
• Mowing/Trimming of assigned areas.
• Operating small equipment such as carts, mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
• Tram operations, driving or narrating.
• Maintenance of zoo planted areas & flower beds (planting, weeding, and watering)
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal care

Public interaction

Safety around animals

Verbal instruction

Tools

Carts

Mowers

Trimmers

Blowers

Job description

Phillips Park Zoo - Seasonal Worker 2026

Job Category: Intern/Temp/Seasonal

Requisition Number: PHILL001096

• Posted : January 16, 2026
• Part-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Parks and Recreation
1000 Ray Moses Dr
Aurora, IL 60505, USA

Description

The City of Aurora is accepting applications for seasonal job positions for the Phillips Park Zoo. Positions are available from approximately March through November.

The Phillips Park Zoo Seasonal Worker functions as a team member on the Phillips Park Zoo Animal Care and maintenance staff. Animal care and maintenance staff are responsible for providing care to the zoo's resident animals, operating the park "Tram", Butterfly tent and providing interpretive tours, etc. Staff also care for the zoo grounds and exhibits, mowing and parking yards, planting, and weeding gardens, and removing trash/cleaning paths and walkways. The position reports to management staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Cleaning animal habitats and holding areas, as directed.
• Diet preparation and feeding.
• Assisting with medical care/animal restrains.
• Maintain exhibit and life support system.
• Mowing/Trimming of assigned areas.
• Operating small equipment such as carts, mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
• Tram operations, driving or narrating.
• Maintenance of zoo planted areas & flower beds (planting, weeding, and watering)
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Ability to work safely around animals.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal instructions.
• Ability to operate equipment safely.
• Ability to interact with the public and perform formal/scripted presentations.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers positively and effectively.
• Ability to complete tasks independently, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be licensed to drive in the state of Illinois

Must be able to pass a physical, drug screen, and background investigation.

The hourly wage is $17.29 - $20.64/hour, depending on qualifications.

Seasonal employees may receive preference in consideration for potential promotional opportunities within the City.

Applications should be submitted online.

*Applicants may be contacted regarding their interest in seasonal positions in other Divisions in the City.

*Applicants will only be contacted if selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.