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Motor Safari - Supervisor (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago
tuition reimbursement, 401(k), employee discount
United States, Illinois, Brookfield
8400 31st Street (Show on map)
Jul 30, 2025
Join the PRIDE!

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by contributing to the goals of providing an extraordinary guest experience and to BZC's revenue and financial sustainability goals by ensuring staff are friendly and approachable, they engage guests, provide strong customer service, and portray a good example of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission.



This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade GS008-2 with a pay rate of $18.35 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the non-union, seasonal employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.



Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year, the work schedule involves working various shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We especially appreciate candidates who can commit to consistent weekday availability throughout the year. To ensure that BZC can provide reliable service and maintain a consistent quality experience for our guests, availability of a minimum of three days per week including one day on the weekend is strongly desired. Shifts typically range from 4 to 8 hours, with work schedules starting as early as 8:00 AM and ending as late as 7:00 PM (and 10:00 PM on weekends or for special events). Work schedules are based on the needs of the operation. This position requires the ability to operate a large vehicle through crowds of people and speak on a microphone. It also requires work in a variety of weather conditions. Minimum age of 18 and valid driver's license required.



PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.




  1. *Provide the highest level of quality customer service while representing Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a professional manner. Interact positively with guests and crew and maintain a positive, friendly, and professional image at all times. Provide assistance and directions to guests, including effectively resolving guest complaints and escalating as appropriate.
  2. *Deliver extensive park narratives on Motor Safari trams and buses while driving in a safe, conscientious manner, including through large crowds.
  3. *Operate Carousel, Virtual Reality, and other assigned attractions in a safe manner following established procedures. Perform and maintain daily operational checklist.
  4. *Supervise and train seasonal staff on required duties, including safely driving trams and buses, crafting their narration, and ensuring seasonal crew follow established procedures for Motor Safari, Carousel, Virtual Reality, and other attractions and duties.
  5. *Ensure trams, buses, hay carts, Carousel, Virtual Reality, and other equipment are maintained and accessible. Ensure all equipment is being regularly cleaned, as needed, and communicate equipment issues to the appropriate department. Establish routes for safe Motor Safari operation based on accessibility of roads and exhibits to achieve the best possible experience for zoo and event guests.
  6. *Assist in developing and updating narration script and special event information. Ensure staff has appropriate tour materials and updated information.
  7. *Assist in developing schedules and assignments of operations for trams, buses, hayride, Carousel, events, and other attractions.
  8. *Assure a clean, neat appearance of self, seasonal adventure guides, vehicles, tram areas, and attractions at all times, which includes washing and cleaning of vehicles and Carousel when necessary.
  9. *Provide assistance with Mold-A-Rama machine filling and uniform room as needed.
  10. Assist management with seasonal staff performance evaluations and checklists.
  11. Act as manager-on-duty in manager's absence.
  12. Other related duties as assigned.



* Denotes Essential Job Functions



POSITION REQUIREMENTS:




  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve guest and employee-related issues.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks required.
  • Must be outgoing, positive, and personable.
  • Ability to speak clearly and articulately and communicate well with the public required.
  • Accurate, basic math and reading skills required.
  • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.



DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:



  • High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.)
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  • Experience driving and transporting people preferred.
  • Experience developing and giving tours preferred.
  • Theatrical or public speaking experience a plus.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent must learn Brookfield Zoo Chicago policies and procedures and department protocol and standards and must model and enforce such procedures and standards with assigned workers. The ability and willingness to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends is required. Because the position provides support for the Carousel, incumbent is subject to random drug testing upon hire under the Illinois Amusement Ride and Attractions Safety Act.



OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements form.



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BENEFITS INFORMATION:



We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits. Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.



www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf



Seasonal Employees



Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.



Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.



Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)
















Advanced Inquiry Degree Program



Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.



BZC University



The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.



Tuition Reimbursement



Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.



Access Credit Union



Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.



Blackhawk Work Perks



Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.



Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness



Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.



Discounted Day Care



Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.



Employee Discounts



Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.



Enterprise-Rent-A-Car



Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.



Free Flu Vaccines



Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.



Free Admission and Parking



Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.



Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions



The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.



Free Notary Public Service



Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.



Freebie Table




Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.



Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.




The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.



Zoo Day Camp Discount




Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.



Zoo Discounts




Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.


Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.



The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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