Park Safety Officer Seasonal

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

Posted Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Join the PRIDE!

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) by providing services to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals contributing to BZC’s goal of providing extraordinary guest experiences. Controls access at gates and assists with protecting BZC’s assets. This is an unarmed, public safety position. No PERC card required. Strong customer service skills and ability to work calmly under pressure and use good judgement a must.

Minimum age 16 and valid driver’s license required.

This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade GS002 with a pay rate of $16.60 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

We are seeking to fill multiple positions starting as early as March as we kick off the season with our Glow Wild lantern festival taking place March 19 to May 10, Thursday – Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. We are seeking enthusiastic, friendly people, with excellent customer service skills to work various shifts averaging from 4 to 8 hours in length based on the needs of the operation, with work schedules typically 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).

This is more than just a summer job as Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days a year. We especially appreciate candidates who can commit to consistent weekday availability throughout the year and at least one day per weekend. Early morning availability a plus! If assigned to the employee/service entrance, shifts may start as early as 4:00 a.m. and end as late as 11:00 p.m. A majority of the work is outdoors in all weather conditions and requires a lot of walking and standing.

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

• Provide courteous, friendly assistance and directions to guests, maintaining the highest level of customer service while representing Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a professional manner.
• Observe activities of staff, guests and park grounds to identify risks or hazards. Report risk or hazards to appropriate staff in Public Safety immediately.
• Prior to park opening, verify that employees, vendors, visitors and contractors have authorization to enter the park by identification, the Gate List or through other means.
• Assist night officers and night keepers with communication needs while working night shift at the South Gate booth. Monitor and keep a log of persons as they enter the South Gate after hours. Keep an accurate log of keys and radios turned in at the South Gate booth. Answer calls and give directions and assistance to employees entering the park after hours.
• Maintain familiarity with the park and its attractions to enthusiastically and accurately relay information to guests. Follow and enforce all applicable BZC policies, rules, and department procedures, including but not limited to the “No Feeding of Animals” policy and preventing guests from harassing wildlife, ensuring the general safety of the guests and the animals, preventing guests from climbing on rockwork, over fences or barriers, and entering hazardous areas.
• Inform supervisor(s) of unusual situations or difficulties. Resolve minor problems and, in the case of major emergencies involving guests or animals, take appropriate action such as clearing exhibits, contacting appropriate staff in the Police Department, and following established emergency procedures.
• Provide traffic direction and parking assistance to guests.
• Provide general park information such as exhibit information, show times of special attractions, and directions and details about daily special activities or animal news. Assist guests with lost persons, guest transports, and lost and found. Inspect and maintain equipment, such as golf carts and portable radios under the directions…