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Zoo Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Robinson Engineering, LTD

Resident Engineer

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$66K - $120K/yr

Reviewing design and bidding documents * Engineering observation of construction progress to ensure ... You will have fun with your friends at work through various company events like family zoo days ...

Robinson Engineering, LTD

Civil Engineer

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Design and manage engineering projects for a variety of municipal underground improvements ... You will have fun with your friends at work through various company events like family zoo days ...

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All JobsZoo Design JobsZoo Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Zoo Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$28

$45

How much do zoo design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo design in Chicago, IL is $28.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is zoo design?

Zoo design is the process of planning and creating zoo environments that are safe and enriching for animals while providing educational and engaging experiences for visitors. It incorporates principles from architecture, landscape design, animal welfare, and sustainability to develop habitats that mimic natural environments. Good zoo design focuses on animal health, behavioral needs, and conservation, while also considering visitor flow and educational opportunities. The goal is to balance animal well-being with public engagement and conservation messaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in zoo design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Zoo Design, you need a solid background in architecture, landscape architecture, or zoological design, often supported by a relevant degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of animal welfare standards are typically required. Creativity, strong collaboration, and problem-solving skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies are crucial for creating functional, enriching, and sustainable habitats that prioritize animal well-being and visitor experience.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in zoo design, and how can they be addressed?

Zoo design professionals often encounter challenges balancing animal welfare, visitor experience, and operational efficiency. Meeting evolving animal care standards while creating engaging, educational spaces can require innovative solutions and close collaboration with animal care staff, architects, and engineers. Additionally, they must navigate regulatory requirements and budget constraints throughout the design and construction phases. Staying up-to-date with best practices and maintaining open communication with stakeholders are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Zoo Design vs Zoo Architect?

AspectZoo DesignZoo Architect
CredentialsDesign degrees, landscape architecture, zoological expertiseArchitecture degrees, licensing, landscape architecture
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, zoos, outdoor and indoor planningArchitectural firms, zoos, outdoor projects
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably with Zoo Architect in some contextsMore formal licensing, broader architectural responsibilities

Zoo Design and Zoo Architect roles often overlap, but Zoo Architects typically hold professional licenses and focus on the structural aspects of zoo projects. Zoo Design may encompass broader planning and conceptual work, sometimes without formal licensing. Both roles are essential in creating functional, engaging zoo environments, but Zoo Architects usually have a more formalized credentialing process.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Zoo Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Zoo Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,975 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Behavioral Husbandry - Animal Welfare Design Coordinator (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield, IL • On-site

$28.79 - $30.38/hr

Temporary

Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Join the PRIDE!
The Animal Welfare Design Coordinator is a seasonal/hourly position grade SEA06 with an expected hiring range of $28.79 - $30.38 per hour. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") serving as a creative and technical contributor to the integration of industrial design principles, technology, and innovation into BZC's habitat design, enrichment programming, animal management, and welfare practices to engage animals in natural behavior, enhancing animal welfare and the guest experience.
Using a foundation inindustrial design (BFA required),this position champions forward-thinking, welfare-driven design solutions that enhance animal choice and control, environmental complexity, and guest engagement. The role supports the Zoo's Next Century Plan, helping develop immersive, future-ready environments and experiences that promote exceptional animal care, positive welfare outcomes, and dynamic animal visibility.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
  1. *Apply industrial design methodology to create or improve habitats, furnishings, enrichment systems, and environmental features.
  2. *Design solutions that enhance animal choice, agency, complexity, and natural behavior expression.
  3. *Work alongside ACP leadership and animal care & welfare staff during all phases of habitat, welfare, and visibility assessments.
  4. *Monitor and analyze behavioral, activity, or operational data to identify trends and actionable insights.
  5. *Develop prototypes and functional models to introduce smart habitats, digital enrichment tools, or dynamic environmental features.
  6. *Identify, test, and implement new technologies such as interactive enrichment systems, automatic sensors, environmental controls, and animal driven choices.
  7. *Maintain design documentation, material specifications, and performance notes to support scaling successful designs Zoo wide.
  8. *Develop processes for collecting, validating, and reporting data from automated monitoring systems. Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate key findings and performance metrics.
  9. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design required.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in product design, industrial design, UX/physical interaction design, or related creative technical fields.
  • Experience with fabrication, prototyping, and material selection.
  • Strong proficiency in industrial design tools such as CAD (Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360), Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping technologies.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Dynamics) with ability to learn new systems.
  • Knowledge of design for durability, safety, environmental conditions, and functional use by non-human users.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, emotional intelligence, and customer service.
  • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • English fluency at a professional working proficiency.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience working with or designing for animals (zoo, sanctuary, lab animal, or companion animal environments) is highly desirable.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  • A current, valid driver's license and pass a motor vehicle record check is preferred for the safe operation of motorized utility carts for transportation across Zoo grounds including to transport personnel, equipment, supplies and/or live animals.

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.
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.
001407/SEA06/082826
Benefits Summary
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.

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