NatureStart Programs - Coordinator, Play Programs

Join the PRIDE!

Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.


This is a non-union full-time hourly position, grade 03H with an expected hiring range of $20.09 to $21.85 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, full-time employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

The typical work schedule for this position is either [Wednesday - Saturday] or [Sunday - Wednesday] with a 10 hour work day starting at 9:00/9:30 a.m. depending on the time of year and operating hours.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing innovative nature play programs and experiences for children and families founded on the practices and philosophies of the BZC NatureStart initiative. Under the guidance of Play Program supervisors, this position develops and facilitates play programs, settings, and experiences in the Hamill Family Play Zoo (“HFPZ”), as well as at other BZC events and programs. These programs contribute to BZC’s goals of providing extraordinary guest experiences and promoting innovations in conservation education, training, and leadership.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. *Facilitate play with children aged birth-10, including holding live animals, in both indoor and outdoor settings, as assigned.
2. *Responsible for the daily care of equipment, property, play program materials, and play settings, including but not limited to, daily set-up, clean-up, inventory, and proper use of all equipment and property.
3. *Create, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences and programs with an emphasis on nature play for children aged birth-10 and their families for Education and Community Engagement (“ECE”) programs, BZC special events, and other programs as requested by HFPZ supervisory team members.
4. *Create, develop, and implement play programs and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children aged birth to age 10 and their families at HFPZ.
5. *Serve as the floor assistant for the HFPZ exhibit in a support role to the supervisor on assigned days. Duties may include adjusting the day’s schedule to reflect any crew changes, special activities that need accommodation, etc. Serve as the primary point of contact for radio calls including first aid and lost child situations. Attend to needs of crew, guests, and exhibit such as providing bathroom breaks, answering guest questions, cleaning up spills and calling custodial crew for larger cleaning needs, receiving deliveries, and closing the building at the end of the day as scheduled.
6. *Provide guidance to adult and youth volunteers as directed.
7. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Basic computer literacy required. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
• Minimum two years’ experience required in any of the following areas: facilitation of play, art, drama, music, or other creative activities, working with and/or supervising adult and youth volunteers, and/or early childhood education or other educational and/or recreational experience with children.
• Must be able to work with and handle live animals safely including small mammals, herps, birds, and invertebrates.
• Excellent customer service skills and/or demonstrated ability to work with