27-Apr-2024

2605BR

Temporary/Seasonal

Job Function and Responsibilities

Envision providing a guided tour educating our guests about our animal collection and conservation mission while the lions roar, the Buffalo roam, and the giraffes graze upon leaves at the tree tops. Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year welcoming over 2 million guests annually. It is an amazing opportunity to actively engage our guests each of those 365 days creating a memorable guest experience that a guest will have for a lifetime.

The Adventure Guide/Tram Tour Narrator contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society and the goals of providing an extraordinary guest experience and to the Society goal of financial sustainability by helping to generate revenue through the operation of the Carousel, Motor Safari trams, and buses. Specifically, responsible for transporting guests on designated routes throughout the park, narrating motor safari tours, operating the Carousel, providing access control function at Motor Safari stations and Carousel and responding to inquiries, providing strong customer service and portraying a good example of the Society mission.

The primary duties & responsibilities:

1. Provide the highest level of quality customer service while representing the Chicago Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times. Provide assistance and directions to guests.
2. Deliver extensive park narratives on Motor Safari trams and buses while driving in a safe, conscientious manner, including through large crowds. May provide narrated Walking Tours throughout Brookfield Zoo.
3. Learn approved tour materials and communicate special event and other information as directed.
4. Accountable for following and enforcing all applicable institutional policies and procedures and departmental protocols.
5. Provide a neat, clean appearance of self, vehicle, tram areas, and Carousel area at all times, which includes washing and cleaning vehicles and Carousel.
6. Provide the access control function for Motor Safari and at the Carousel by ensuring all guests boarding possess a ticket or membership card and are scanned prior to entry.
7. Operate Carousel, Virtual Reality, and other assigned attractions in a safe manner following established procedures. Perform and maintain daily operational checklist.
8. Provide assistance with the Society's switchboard by receiving incoming calls and providing general information to the public.
9. Assist with Moldarama machine filling and other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications

As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, this position prefers flexible availability to work week days and/or weekends with work shifts that are usually from 4 to 8 hours in length generally during the hours that Brookfield Zoo is open. Zoo hours are generally 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday) and to 6:00 p.m. (Weekends.) During special events, the Zoo may be open until 9:00/10:00 p.m. This position generally requires flexible availability to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends. Due to the driving requirement, a valid driver's license is required and you must be at least 18 years of age for this position.

This is a temporary (seasonal) position. Starting wage: $17.20/hr

The requirements include the following:

• Accurate basic math and reading skills required.
• Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate well with the public required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be flexible and patient.
• 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.

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred.
• Prior customer service related experience.
• Six months of prior driving experience transporting people preferred, but not required.
• Theatrical or public speaking experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Schedule Details

We are seeking individuals that are able to work a flexible schedule that would include working weekend days as well as regular week days. The work shifts are usually from 4 to 8 hours in length generally during the hours that Brookfield Zoo is open. The work schedule may start as early as 8:00 a.m. and end as late as 7:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m. for special events).

This position generally requires flexible availability to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Guest Operations

Group

Guest Services

Union Status

Non-Union

Work Shift

Any 5 out of 7 days/week