NatureStart Programs - Play Partner (Seasonal)

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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.

Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year, the work schedule involves working various shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. For this opening we are seeking staff that are available to work a minimum of three to four days per week, including one day on the weekend, from now through December.

This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S009 with a pay rate of $20.45 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

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. *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.
3. *Attend meetings and training sessions as assigned.
4. Provide assistance to volunteers as directed.
5. 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.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.

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Benefits Summary

We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer.

Non-Union Seasonal Employees

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.