at Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, United States
Job Description
NatureStart Programs - Play Partner (Seasonal)
Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
Req #20
Friday, June 21, 2024
Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!
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, to provide fun and meaningful ways of connecting children with animals and nature and to provide adults with the approaches and encouragement to help children develop caring attitudes towards the natural world in support of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
*Facilitate play with children, aged birth-10, including holding live animals, in both indoor and outdoor settings, as assigned.
*Set up, disperse, and clean up materials on a daily basis in both indoor and outdoor settings as assigned; responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property.
*Attend meetings and training sessions as assigned.
Provide assistance to volunteers as directed.
Other related duties as assigned.
* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
Two months paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience in any of the following areas required: facilitation of play, art, drama, music, or other creative activities; working with and/or supervising adult and youth volunteers; Early Childhood Education; or other educational and/or recreational experience with children aged birth-10.
English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
Must have excellent customer service skills and/or demonstrated ability to work with the public effectively.
Must have strong ability to communicate effectively with children of diverse backgrounds ages birth-10 and their caregivers.
Must be an enthusiastic, flexible team player and able to work in an engaging, stimulating environment.
Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
One year of experience preferred including coursework in Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or directly related field or subjects.
Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
Some basic computer literacy required, with experience in Microsoft Outlook preferred.
Creative skills/abilities such as musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, farmer, naturalist, craftsman, costumer designer/seamstress or other skills relevant to the exhibit experience are a plus.
Bilingual in Spanish, Polish, or a language other than English is 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. Must have a genuine interest in nature and animals. Must be willing and able to learn play facilitation skills. Must work non-standard hours, including a flexible schedule with rotating days, including regular weekends, holidays and evening work, as needed. This seasonal position requires a creative and imaginative individual. Incumbent is expected to incorporate knowledge of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago and BZC's mission, vision and values into daily operations and job responsibilities. Incumbent is also expected to become familiar with and follow all BZC policies and departmental procedures. Position requires ongoing training and continuing education. This is a temporary position.
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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... For full info follow application link.
The Chicago Zoolgogical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
