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Temporary Brookfield Zoo Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jackson HealthPros

Travel CT Technologist

Maywood, IL · On-site

Choose from a variety of career options including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts ... Nearby attractions include Brookfield Zoo, about 6 miles away, and the Forest Preserves of Cook ...

All JobsBrookfield Zoo JobsTemporary Brookfield Zoo JobsTemporary Brookfield Zoo Jobs in Riverside, IL

Temporary Brookfield Zoo information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do temporary brookfield zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary brookfield zoo in Riverside, IL is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do you get paid to work at Brookfield Zoo?

Pay rates for positions at Brookfield Zoo vary depending on the role, experience, and schedule, but entry-level positions such as seasonal or part-time roles typically pay around minimum wage, which is $15 per hour in many areas. Some roles may offer higher wages based on responsibilities and qualifications. Compensation is often supplemented with employee benefits and discounts on zoo admission and amenities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Brookfield Zoo employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Brookfield Zoo employee, you typically need customer service skills, basic animal care knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, safety protocols, and maintenance tools may be required depending on the specific position. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for interacting with guests and colleagues in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure a positive visitor experience, smooth daily operations, and the well-being of animals and staff at the zoo.

Is it hard to get a job at the zoo?

Getting a temporary position at the zoo can be competitive, as many applicants apply for limited seasonal roles. Candidates often need relevant experience, good customer service skills, and sometimes certifications such as first aid or animal handling to improve their chances.

What is the difference between Temporary Brookfield Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectTemporary Brookfield ZooZookeeper
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some animal care experienceHigh school diploma, animal care certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSeasonal, short-term roles at zoo facilitiesDaily animal care, educational programs, often permanent or long-term
Industry UsageTemporary staffing for zoo events or seasonal needsCore staff responsible for daily animal husbandry

Temporary Brookfield Zoo roles are short-term, seasonal positions focused on supporting zoo operations during busy periods. Zookeepers are permanent staff responsible for daily animal care and educational activities. While both roles involve animal handling, the temporary roles are more project-based, whereas zookeepers have ongoing responsibilities.

What are Temporary Brookfield Zoo jobs?

Temporary Brookfield Zoo jobs are short-term positions offered at Brookfield Zoo, typically to help manage increased workloads during busy seasons like summer or special events. These roles can include guest services, food service, groundskeeping, animal care assistants, and more. Temporary jobs are a great opportunity for individuals seeking seasonal employment, students on break, or those interested in gaining experience in a zoological environment. While these positions usually do not offer benefits, they provide valuable work experience and a chance to be part of the zoo community.

What is the highest paying job in a zoo?

The highest paying jobs in a zoo are typically senior management roles such as zoo director or executive director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience in animal care, administration, and fundraising, along with strong leadership skills.

What are some common responsibilities and challenges for temporary staff working at Brookfield Zoo?

Temporary staff at Brookfield Zoo often assist with guest services, event support, or animal care, depending on the position. Common responsibilities may include interacting with visitors, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting daily zoo operations. A key challenge can be adapting quickly to a fast-paced, dynamic environment, especially during peak seasons or special events. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as temporary employees frequently collaborate with permanent staff and other temporary team members. This role provides valuable experience in customer service and zoological operations, which can be beneficial for future opportunities in the field.

What jobs can you do at a zoo without a degree?

At a zoo, entry-level positions such as zookeeper assistant, visitor services staff, maintenance worker, or retail associate typically do not require a degree. These roles often focus on customer service, cleaning, or supporting animal care and may require training or certifications related to safety and animal handling. Experience with animals or customer service skills can be beneficial for these positions.
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Temporary Brookfield Zoo jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Temporary Brookfield Zoo job openings:
Temporary Brookfield Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Brookfield Zoo job openings in Riverside, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,445 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield, IL • On-site

$30.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!
The Craftsworker Aide-Life Support contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing skilled and semi-skilled craft duties throughout the park with a focus on life support systems. Supports BZC's mission and identified goals related to asset protection, financial sustainability, guest experience, and animal welfare. Ensures work performed provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection. Ensures exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and support BZC objectives.
This is a temporary, union, full-time, hourly position, grade U451 with a pay rate of $30.99/hour.
Primary job duties and responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Craftsworker Aides are expected to perform a variety of duties that may include any or all of the following. Specific assignments will vary depending upon the nature of work performed and/or specific duties assigned:
  1. *Perform skilled and semi-skilled crafts duties throughout the park with guidance from full-time Life Support staff and supervisor. Assure work performed meets section standards, client specifications, applicable codes and standards, and program goals and is aesthetically pleasing to guests. This includes operating, maintaining and troubleshooting several types of life support systems, including, but not limited to a dolphin/pinniped system, a salt-water fish building, bear exhibit, primate stream systems, and splash pads. Work cooperatively with peers, managers, and clients.
  2. *Adhere to established quality control standards. Ensure all work performed meets set standards and specifications and complies with established quality control standards.
  3. *Perform duties associated with the Life Support overhead operating program including following the Labor Allocation Sheet system and completing daily labor allocation sheets, with direct guidance, attending and participating in meetings as assigned.
  4. *Follow established Standard Operating Procedures and carry out associated tasks, as directed, not limited to but including equipment and maintenance, inventory and purchasing, facility surveys and utility locations.
  5. Participate in the section's emergency response and animal welfare programs as assigned.
  6. Other related duties as assigned or directed.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
Position requirements:
  • High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
  • Requires 6 months experience in water quality (temperature, turbidity, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, alkalinity, oxygen, etc.) using reliable testing methods and/or in pool-pump maintenance in closed-system filtration or successful completion of Internship Program on water quality and/or Life Support Systems with an AZA accredited institution (paid or unpaid)
  • Ability to read, write and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility.
  • Must be able to perform all tasks related to field and possess skills in related fields.
  • Requires the ability to learn and apply information regarding water chemistry and maintenance of

closed water systems.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented fashion.
  • Good communications and interpersonal skills.
  • English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
  • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents

Desirable/preferred qualifications:
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  • AALSO Life Support Operator Level I Certification desirable.
  • NSPF Certified Pool Operator certificate desirable but not required.

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. Incumbent ensures the work being performed is done safely, provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection, ensures life support systems are functional and in a well-maintained state, and supports BZC's goals and objectives. Incumbent is expected to gain an understanding of BZC's mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and to incorporate these into daily work performance. Position requires work on weekends, holidays and after normal hours when required. Required to carry a pager or cell phone and respond to emergencies as needed. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law. This position involves safely operating a golf cart to transport to needed equipment and supplies to Life Support locations throughout the workday within the Zoo safely and efficiently.
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.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition number 349.
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.
Union Temporary Aide-level Employees
Union Temporary Aide employees fulfill short-term staffing needs. They are considered full-time employees and are eligible for coverage under the Teamster's Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (Medical Insurance).
Time away from work:
Vacation: No vacation benefit accrual.
Personal Convenience Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. All personal days must be used by December 31 of the calendar year or by the end of the employee's temporary assignment, whichever comes first.
Sick Leave: Union Employees who work 8-hour or 10-hour days accrue based on the equivalent of 80 hours (10 days) of sick leave per year. Sick time is accrued on a per pay-period basis. For an employee who works an 8-hour day, they earn 3.08 hours of sick time each pay period. Employees who have perfect attendance during a calendar year shall be credited with two (2) additional sick days. Accumulation of sick leave is unlimited.
Holidays: Union Temporary Aide employees are eligible for ten paid holidays per year.
Medical Insurance: BZC pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee's date of separation. Temporary Aide-level employees may choose to cover their child(ren) under age 27. Spouse coverage is not available.
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 regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.
The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. 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.

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