Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Shantungosaurus - Dinosaurs Alive!

Since Brookfield Zoo opened its doors to the public in 1934, the Chicago Zoological Society has had a legacy of educating the public about animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society inspires and engages children, students, teachers, and others among the general public to make a positive impact on the natural world around them. Starting in April 2013, Brookfield Zoo guests can take a trip back millions of years and experience Dinosaurs Alive! A fun and educational exhibit allowing Zoo guests to roam a winding trail with state-of-the-art life-size animatronic prehistoric creatures and a tented showcase will highlight the most recent paleontological findings that birds evolved from dinosaurs. In addition, guests will learn how dinosaurs are relevant to today's world and how changes in climate may have led to their extinction.

Dinosaurs Alive! is just one example of a temporary exhibit at which a Senior Interpretive Exhibit Host would be engaging Zoo guests in celebrating animals and nature through exhibit interpretation. The Senior Interpretive Exhibit Host also assists the full-time Interpretive Programs staff in the day-to-day supervision and scheduling of the Interpretive Exhibit Host staff. Through training, you will create extraordinary guest experiences by developing programs and delivering informal interpretive presentations, such as scheduled daily Zoo Chats. You will also be responsible for all non-animal related interpretive aspects of seasonal and temporary exhibits (i.e. sounds systems, functioning animatronics, and indentifying broken signage).

This position does require flexible availability to work any five days out of seven days each week with work shifts that are generally from four to eight hours in length. Senior Interpretive Exhibit Hosts are assigned to work outdoors at a variety of seasonal/temporary exhibits and along pathways and throughout the Zoo grounds. This seasonal position lasts primarily between May and September or March and October, depending on the needs of the operation. Incumbent must have the ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This is a seasonal (temporary) position. The starting wage for this position is $11.25 per hour.

The requirements for this position include:

• Minimum one year of college coursework required, preferably in life sciences or an equivalent combination of training and/or work experience in an informal educational setting ideally at a zoo, aquarium, or nature center providing quality interpretive experiences.
• Minimum one year experience in Interpretive Programs or equivalent work experience in an informal educational setting providing quality interpretive experiences.
• Minimum six months supervisory experience preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of the public and using a microphone.
• Must be able to coach and mentor Interpretive Exhibit Hosts and Assistant Interpretive Exhibit Hosts.
• Must be outgoing and able to work independently with little supervision.
• Must be open to new experiences.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/V/D.