Seasonal Ropes Course Operator

Binder Park Zoo; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Flexible hours

Free fountain soda and coffee during a

50% off meals during shift

Comprehensive training

Free zoo membership

Job summary

Binder Park Zoo is seeking a Seasonal Ropes Course Operator in Battle Creek, MI. The role involves daily operation of the SkyLark Ridge course, including harness fitting, safety checks, and guest instruction.

The position requires being outdoors in all weather, lifting up to 50 lbs, and completing a Sky Guide training course before starting. It offers flexible hours and a fun, safety‑driven team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age or older to operate all levels.
• Must pass a multi-day Sky Guide training course.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate SkyLark Ridge ropes course daily and ensure proper harness fitting.
• Perform pre-use inspections of course and safety equipment.
• Monitor participants and enforce safety rules at all times.
• Communicate clearly with guests and staff; respond to emergencies when needed.
• Complete training and safety tests as required.

Skills

Physical stamina

Clear communication

Safety awareness

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Sky Guide training

Job description

Position: Seasonal Ropes Course Operator

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Job Id: 308

# of Openings: 2

Looking for a fantastic job that is fun and rewarding? Do you enjoy working with people and helping guests have a great experience? Do you need flexible hours that work with your schedule? If so, we want to meet you!

We are looking for smiling faces to join our team at Binder Park Zoo for the 2026 season. Our mission is to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve. We are passionate about educating on wildlife conservation and looking for enthusiastic people to be a part of the journey. Nestled in 433 acres of serene landscape, and home to over 70 different species, we are the third largest zoo in Michigan. Join our team where you will have the opportunity to work with friendly people and do something that supports wildlife advocacy. Ever work at a zoo, it's fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo, and we think you will too.

What we offer:

• Competitive wages.
• Flexible hours to fit your work/life balance needs.
• Free fountain soda and coffee during your shift.
• 50% off your meals at our restaurants during your shift.
• Comprehensive training to build new skills.
• Free zoo membership.

ROPES COURSE OPERATOR

Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve.

REPORTS TO: Operations Manager, Director of Operations

SEASONAL OR NON-SEASONAL: Seasonal, Non-benefited

FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: An operator is tasked with the day-to-day operation of SkyLark Ridge, which includes pre-use inspections of the course and safety equipment, to properly outfit participants, to monitor activity on the course, and to maintain safety. Operators must become familiar with all aspects of operating SkyLark Ridge.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 16 years of age or older to operate all levels and positions.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a multi-day Sky Guide training course.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Capabilities to bend, stoop, climb and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to insert and remove the puck of the slider assembly into and out of the overhead track.
• Must be able to communicate with staff and participants clearly.
• Successful completion of written and practical tests.
• Ability to understand and use a harness properly.
• Must be able to outfit all participants by choosing the correct size harness and make the needed adjustments to fit their body.
• Demonstrate complete understanding of harness components.
• Knowledge and ability to inspect all safety equipment and understand when something is unsafe.
• Follow all participant rules and perform their duties without restrictions for the safety of all parties involved.
• Comfortable being in close proximity to people of all ages and genders.
• Properly attach the sling line to a participant’s harness, make correct adjustments in the length of the sling line and consistently inspect the slider assembly for any damage or deformation before inserting it into the overhead track.
• Monitor all participants on and off the course.
• Must be willing to work at heights of 30' or more for extended periods of time.
• Use competence to assess the difference between a medical emergency and non-emergency incident for purposes of the emergency take down procedures.
• Monitor all participants on the course and immediately stop any unsafe behavior.
• Capability and understanding to assist scared participants.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Express appropriate behavior towards customers and guests.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting staff in emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensuring compliance with all Binder Park Zoo policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to zoo operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• As an outdoor job, guides are expected to work outside in all weather conditions April through October.
• The job requires standing for a long period of time, traversing our 30', 3-story course multiple times a day, and being comfortable working in close contact with people of all ages and genders.
• The job will be physically demanding at times.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to read, speak and write English in order to fulfill job functions in an understandable way.