Marketing Events - Operations Assistant; Seasonal

Marketing Events - Operations Assistant (Seasonal)

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Join the PRIDE!

This position contributes to the success Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by creating and providing an extraordinary guest experience, driving attendance through supporting engaging and impactful onsite, special events, experiences, and promotions, and helping to grow and diversify the Zoo’s audience base.

This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S008 with a pay rate of $18.60 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

This seasonal position requires the incumbent to work events inside and outside of the Zoo during a variety of hours. Due to the nature of these events, the job requires weekend work, including Thursday through Sunday evenings. Reliable attendance is critical. This is a great opportunity for someone with or looking to gain experience in Special Events Marketing or Promotions. Work schedule is sporadic throughout the year, based on scheduled events and operational needs.

Upcoming events for 2026 and anticipated scheduling needs:

Glow Wild lantern festival: Thursdays – Sundays;
March 19 - May 10; 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Dino Run: Saturday, May 30; 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Roaring Nights: dates TBD; 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Zoo Uncorked: Saturday, August 22; 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Boo! At the Zoo: Saturdays & Sundays, October 3 – 25; 7:00/8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tree Trim: Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Zoo Run: date TBD; 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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

• Support Marketing’s onsite public events. This includes set up, transportation and take down of supplies and equipment that pertain to each event. Events range from Boo! at the Zoo to 21+ events and beyond.
• Assist in the execution of all event-day activities for Marketing special events, including but not limited to: following event timelines and policies; supporting pre-event setup and managing day-of-event logistics; helping ensure the smooth operation of the event by providing on-the-ground support and coordination. This includes assisting with event setup and teardown, handling signage, décor, and equipment, and transporting and setting up supplies across various outdoor locations.
• Welcome and assist guests during events, serving as a primary point of contact for participants, staff, and vendors, while ensuring a clean and branded presence throughout.
• Dress in costume and be animated as a Zoo character, while maintaining costume image. Greet Zoo guests and pose for pictures upon request.
• Monitor event flow, troubleshoot issues in real time, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and vendors to ensure seamless event execution.
• Distribute event materials (e.g., wristbands, programs, or giveaways) and assist with cleanup, packing materials, and restoring event areas.
• Assist animal care teams during live demonstrations by managing crowd flow and ensuring safe viewing areas.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Must be able to work in a team and be flexible.
• Must be animated and outgoing.
• Strong organizational and project management skills required.
• Must work at least 50% of scheduled events.
• Ability to interact with public and maintain a positive image at all times required.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver’s license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) preferred.
• A desire to work in events, marketing and theater.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

This position…