Employment

Department: Marketing

Position: Mascot/Character Performer – Seasonal

Reports To: Marketing Manager

Summary of Responsibilities:

This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude and show leadership skills. This individual will be responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures of the Zoo. For this specific character position, applicants should have prior acting or performing experience. Staff members expected to have an outgoing personality and the ability to problem-solve. Performers have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, for the Elmwood Park Zoo and Treetop Adventures. Performers mustexhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience and never break character while in front of the public.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist in creating a safe, clean and efficient working environment throughout the Zoo. Be available as per business needs.
• Adhere to Zoo confidentiality standards as outlined in the Zoo’s Employee Handbook regarding all information regarding customers, animals, business operations, employees, volunteers, and any/all sensitive information.
• Interact cordially and communicate clearly with the public.

Mascot Responsibilities:

• Perform as one of Elmwood Park Zoo’s costumed characters throughout the year and represent the zoo through upbeat and energetic performances, interacting with guests of all ages throughout/outside the zoo.
• Stay in character throughout performance times and follow mascot and costume policies and guidelines.
• Be available as per business needs, including nights and holidays for events at zoo and in surrounding area, at events such as festivals, sporting games, carnivals, etc.
• Set up, break down, and transport promotional event equipment as required
• Maintain Bubby costume
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Fit into Bubby’s costume. Approximately 5’8” – 5’11” in height
• You must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this position.
• You must also have a driver’s license and an automobile to perform as mascot at different locations as needed by the zoo.
• Prolonged standing for two to three hours at a time or longer.
• Ability to withstand frequent appearances in outdoor weather conditions in full costume throughout various seasons.
• This role is Part-Time and requires full availability for any shift, including nights and holidays.
• Strong communication skills are a must.
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma. 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communication,
  Performing Arts, or some related field preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Self-sufficient
• Previous work experience in outdoor promotions/marketing/and or customer
  service

Education:High School Diploma or equivalent is required

Identification:A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Position:  Full Time -Interactive Bird Keeper/Trainer

Reports to:  Interactive Exhibit Manager and Director of Education

Supervises: Volunteers, Interns, Interactive staff

Coordinates with: Animal Care Staff, Educators, Veterinary department and Guest Service staff                                 

Summary of Responsibilities:  

This is a full-time staff position responsible for the daily animal husbandry of parrots and delivering a high level guest engagement experience within the bird house and other interactive exhibits.  Works independently and in a team environment to apply the highest standards of animal care, enrichment and training as well as interacting with the public to create an engaging experience that inspires people to conserve and protect wildlife. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo.
• Be available as per business needs.
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo. 
• Use proper radio etiquette, call numbers and adhere to proper dress attire at all time

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Daily husbandry of parrots: general cleaning of holdings and exhibit spaces, routine animal handling, diet preparation, provide and record enrichment, data entry.
• Maintenance to exhibits and animal areas (with assistance from maintenance staff as needed).
• Train and maintain animal behaviors through Operant Conditioning / Animal Training program. 
• Daily knowledge of natural behavior and information concerning the animals involved in the interactive exhibits.
•  Works closely with the vet staff to maintain animals’ good health and well-being and   ensure animal welfare.
• Assist Interactive Exhibit Manager with overseeing volunteers, and seasonal staff 
• Has the ability to deliver engaging and enthusiastic animal presentations to guests as they visit the various interactive exhibits.
• Acts as a role model and trainer for exceptional guest interaction for volunteers and seasonal staff
• Communicates effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Assist with supervision and delivery of all interactive exhibits including birdhouse and bison/giraffe feeds
• Physical attributes to include good physical strength and endurance, full range of body motion, lifting and ability to carry up to 50lbs.
• Ability to contribute in a team setting

• Comply with all safety and operational standards established by the Government and the AZA.
• Highly organized and able to communicate openly within and between departments. 

• Recommends ideas to improve efficiency of education department and/or interactive experiences.
• Skill to follow written or oral directions, understands and exercises good judgment, and foresees and applies safety precautions applicable to the work. 
  
• Daily observation and reporting of animal behaviors in the appropriate animal record keeping system, ZIMS.
• Implement and record behavioral enrichment for the collection.
• Perform other duties assigned

Scope of Authority:

• Responsible for the safety of animal collection and zoo guests.
• Oversee seasonal employees, volunteers under the direction of the Interactive Exhibit Manager.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Education:                         

College Degree; supplemented by two years previous experience with captive animals in a zoological facility or any equivalent combination for education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and ability for the job.

Work Experience:             

Minimum of 2 years paid experience in a zoological setting preferred. Experience with parrots is preferred. Animal behavior/ training background preferred. 

Communication Skills: Skill to follow written or oral directions, understands and exercises good judgment, and foresees and applies safety precautions applicable to the work.  

Identification: Two forms of official valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances