Employment

Position: Guest Services Representative

Reports to: Guest Services Management 

Coordinates with: All departments

Summary of Responsibilities: This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude. Guest Services Representatives (GS Reps) are expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. Operating as the “face” of the organization, GS Reps serve a vital role at the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Guest Services department operates in a variety of facets, and GS Reps are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in these areas. GS Reps have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the Zoo. To ensure a quality experience for all guests visiting the zoo, GS Reps are expected to be friendly, positive, and helpful. Responsibilities include but are not limited to, operating a point-of-sale system (POS cash register), cash handling, stocking, and inventory. GS Reps are expected to keep their areas neat and organized.  Guest Services Representatives also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to, assisting with event setup, breakdown, and execution, as well as assisting with small programs, such as birthday parties. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat 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.
• Always adhere to proper dress attire.
• Be prepared to work in various outdoor conditions.
• Always follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the organization.
• Use proper radio etiquette (must be able to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members) and adhere to appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure guests are properly greeted and assist at your assigned position.
• Communicate effectively with all guests and groups.
• Respond to guest needs and anticipate their unstated needs
• Ability to be trained in all necessary aspects of the Guest Services Department such as cashier, admissions sales, reception, guest/member check-in, retail sales, event facilitation, and other roles involved with public programming and zoo operations. This position also includes the potential to facilitate evening programs, events, and shows.
• Operate an assigned cash register making proper change, managing transactions, and ensuring a balanced till. 
• Keep the work area neat and orderly, including any merchandise presented and maintaining a professional and clean counter to customers. 
• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries regarding admission rates, hours of operations, memberships, special events, attractions, etc. 
• Inform managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.
• Contribute to the basic daily neatness and organization of the department and other areas. 
• Assist Guest Services team with restocking and inventory in Nature Shop which includes verifying and stocking merchandise when delivered for Nature Shop in accordance with SOP.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by Guest Services Management team.

Basic Qualifications

• This position may require prolonged standing.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Must be able to work inside or outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• This role position requires full availability for any shift and a minimum of three days per week, including weekends, some nights, and some holidays. Normal shifts are 9:00AM – 5:30PM with variable night shifts.
• Bilingual is a plus.

• Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent 
• License: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances.
• Wages: $8.00-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Position: Treetop Adventures Guide / Ride Attendant

Reports to: Treetop Director/Managers

Coordinates with: All departments

Summary of Responsibilities: This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude and show leadership skills. Guides are expected to have an outgoing personality, ability to problem-solve, and must follow protocol in the health and well-being of our animals. Guides are key members of the Elmwood Park Zoo staff and operate as the “face” of the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Treetop Adventures department operates in a variety of facets, and guides are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in all guest relations areas. Adventure guides have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, either indoors or outdoors, throughout the Elmwood Park Zoo. Guides must exhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude with guests and coworkers to maintain a quality zoo experience. Responsibilities may include operating & balancing a point-of-sale system (POS register), stocking, inventory and light cleaning. Adventure guides also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include assisting with event setups and execution, as well as providing tours and assisting on small programs, such as birthday parties. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat 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.
• Always adhere to proper dress attire.
• Be prepared to work in various outdoor conditions.
• Always follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the organization.
• Use proper radio etiquette (must be able to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members) and adhere to appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Ability to contribute in a team setting
• Learn all aspects of the Treetop Adventures experience and follow through with training at the ropes course and amusements.
• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries in regards to admission rates, hours of operations, memberships, birthday parties, group rates, special engagements, etc. relating to Treetop Adventures and amusements.
• Informs Managers of day’s profits, comments, complaints, or concerns
• Responsible for balancing register at Treetop Adventures Harness House
• Assist management, with restocking/daily cleanliness in Harness House, equipment shed and amusements.
• Responsible for basic daily maintenance, inspecting, cleanliness and organization of park area, including all courses, zip lines, harnesses, carousel, train and other various equipment used
• The ability to answer a multi phone line in accordance to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members and use appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Treetop Adventures Managers.
  Basic Qualifications

• Frequently standing for long periods of times
• Must be able to work at heights comfortably
• Ability to traverse through course by climbing, balancing and standing in a tree with a harness
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to be exposed to all season weather conditions
• Full availability for any shift, minimum of (3) days per week including some nights and some holidays.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel as well as experience on Point of Sales registers
• Education: High School Diploma
• Work Experience: Previous cashier experience and knowledge of Point of Sales register a plus.
  Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent 
  License: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances.
  Wages: $8.00-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Position:   Facilities Custodial/Grounds Staff

Reports to: Facilities Director

Coordinates with:  All Departments 

Summary of Responsibilities: This individual must be a highly motivated individual responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Zoo grounds and buildings and must be an on hand team player. Must be able to work in all weather conditions. Assists with various infrastructure projects and works closely with Facilities team and contracted service companies. Communicates well and works well in a vision driven organization. Must be logical and be able to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; can see hidden problems and address them appropriately. This high energy individual enjoys challenging tasks and fast paced environment.

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 times.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining zoo grounds and keeping all zoo facilities clean and in safe condition on a daily operational basis
• Must assist with storm cleanup (i.e. snow removal, leaf removal, etc.)
• May be assigned other duties by directors (i.e. painting, scraping, small odds jobs such as light bulb changing)
• Assisting with pest control and removal 
• Assist in the preventive maintenance for equipment, and utilities of the Zoo and all the offices and service areas.
• Excellent maintenance, grounds and custodial practices in all areas of the Zoo including offices and service areas ensuring cleanliness, orderliness and functional condition of the building, grounds and all other facilities.
• Be aware of supplies, spare parts and other consumable items for the use of the department needs are to be reordered or reported to Facilities Director for reordering.
• Submits ideas to improve efficiency to achieve Departments goals and objectives.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Comply with all safety and operational standards established by the Government and the AZA.
• Responsible for doing daily inspections of areas of responsibility and prioritizing the necessary custodial maintenance, taking into consideration that safety is first.
• Completes tasks requested in a timely and professional manner to ensure the best possible operation and appearance of the Zoo. 
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by Department Directors 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and maintenance manuals.
• To treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals, business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information. 
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings. Greet guests and exercise professionalism at all times.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
Ability to assist with various facilities on various projects. Ability to foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work. Frequently lift and carry up to 100lbs. The willingness to accept weekend, some holiday, and occasional after-hour assignments including coverage for Wild Lights, evening rentals and other events as may be assigned. Ability to complete assigned routine work orders.  

Education: High school diploma/ equivalent is required 

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

Work Experience: Custodial, grounds & maintenance 

This position will require occasional on-call for emergency clean-ups within the facility or for external emergency natural disasters that require the immediate attention.

Position:  Interactive Keeper/Educator

Reports to: Director of Education

Coordinates with: Animal Care Staff, Educators, Veterinary Department/General Curator, Volunteer Manager and Guest Service Staff

Summary of Responsibilities: A highly motivated individual who will work in a team environment to apply and deliver the highest standards of animal care, enrichment and training while also 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 times.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Daily husbandry needs of birds, including large parrots, mammals and reptiles: general cleaning of holdings and exhibit spaces, 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.
• Provides capture and restraint assistance as needed
• Supervises volunteers, interns and seasonal staff while working in the exhibit
• 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, interns and seasonal staff
• Communicates effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
• Supports the Education team with animal husbandry of the ambassador collection and delivering educational programs as needed
• Physical attributes include good physical strength and endurance, full range of body motion, lifting and ability to carry up to 60lbs.
• Ability to contribute in a team setting
• Ability to adapt to change
• 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 the 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.
• Perform other duties assigned
• Responsible for the safety of animal collection and zoo guests.
• 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s 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 is preferred. Experience with large birds is preferred. Animal behavior/training background is preferred

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