Whether you are gazing upon the iconic North American animals at Great Bear Wilderness, jumping into the jungle at Tropic World to meet our new silverback gorilla, or taking in a super spectacular dolphin show at the Dolphinarium, Brookfield Zoo has been a remarkable destination since 1934. With 216 acres of park-like setting, our guests may visit to enjoy seeing and learning about our over 450 species of animals or attend a special event such as a wedding, picnic or meeting.

As Section Supervisor Park Safety, you will be responsible for supervising the daily activities of the Park Safety Officers (PSOs), including shifting work assignments, coordination of staff and workload, management of staff hours as directed by manager(s), and training and ensuring that proper procedures and policies are followed. You will make use of your prior public safety experience to observe staff and guests activities and park grounds to identify risk hazards and immediately report to the Public Safety Department; monitor and supervise crowded areas and perform line management as needed. You will make use of your strong customer service focus as you maintain good public and employee relations and provide assistance and directions to guests and crew including effectively resolving complaints and escalating as appropriate. You will assist manager(s) with special assignments as needed, requested or instructed including special schedules, transportation, pickup and delivery of equipment, vehicles etc., both within the park and off park grounds. Furthermore, you will prepare and maintain records of equipment and uniforms issued to PSOs, assist manager(s) in the maintenance of records of PSO training, and know and abide by the rules and regulations, procedures and requirements contained in the current PSO manual.

Position Requirements and Specifications
As Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, this position highly prefers flexible availability to work any 5 days out of any 7 days each week generally during the hours that Brookfield Zoo is open. From Memorial Day - Labor Day we are open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (Sundays until 7:30 p.m.). After Labor Day until Memorial Day the weekend weekday hours vary from 9:30/10:00 a.m. - 5:00/6:00 p.m. During special events, the Zoo may be open until 9:00/10:00 p.m. Park Safety Officer positions require the ability to work non-standard hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This is a temporary (seasonal) position. Starting wage: $8.90 per hour.

The requirements for this position include:

• High School graduate or equivalent combination of training/experience preferred.



• Minimum one-year public safety experience required. This experience may include employment as a Park Safety Officer with the Chicago Zoological Society Public Safety Department, other employment, and/or volunteer work involving direct contact with a diverse audience, providing directions/assistance, traffic control, crowd control, etc. or other directly relevant experience.



• Requires a conscientious, responsible, and reliable individual.



• Ability to use a hand-held radio, emergency fire hoses and ropes required.



• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.



• 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.



• This seasonal position requires a high level of customer service.



• Incumbent must learn Society policies and departmental procedures and standards.



• Incumbent must be able to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Additional Information
This requisition is to actively recruit for positions that are anticipated to have start dates in March 2013. Candidates at minimum need to be available to work Saturdays & Sundays starting immediately. Weekday availability from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. strongly desired.


The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.