Coordinator, Play Programs

The Coordinator, Play Programs contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo by providing innovative nature play programs and experiences for children and families founded on the practices and philosophies of the CZS NatureStart initiative.  Under the guidance of Play Program supervisors, this position develops and facilitates play programs, settings, and experiences in the Hamill Family Play Zoo, as well as at other Chicago Zoological Society events and programs.  These programs contribute to the Society’s goals of providing extraordinary guest experiences and promoting innovations in conservation education, training, and leadership.

This is a full-time regular, hourly paid position which offers a comprehensive benefits package.  The minimum starting pay is $15.79 per hour.

For a sampling of our current virtual programs, visit https://www.czs.org/BringingTheZooToYou and scroll down to "Bringing the Play Zoo to You" Videos.

Primary duties and responsibilities: 

Facilitate play with children aged birth-10, including holding live animals, in both indoor and outdoor settings, as assigned.   Responsible for the daily care of equipment, property, play program materials, and play settings, including but not limited to, daily set-up, clean-up, inventory, and proper use of all equipment and property. 

Create, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences and programs with an emphasis on nature play for children aged birth-10 and their families for Conservation, Education and Training (CET) programs, Chicago Zoological Society special events, and other programs as requested by Hamill Family Play Zoo (HFPZ) supervisory team members. 

Create, develop, and implement play programs and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children aged birth to age 10 and their families at Hamill Family Play Zoo.   Contribute to and actively participate in the CZS NatureStart initiative including developing activities and presentations and facilitating trainings.  

Serve as the floor assistant for the Hamill Family Play Zoo exhibit in a support role to the supervisor on assigned days.  Duties may include adjusting the day’s schedule to reflect any crew changes, special activities that need accommodation, etc.  Serve as the primary point of contact for radio calls including first aid and lost child situations.  Attend to needs of crew, guests, and exhibit such as providing bathroom breaks, answering guest questions, cleaning up spills and calling custodial crew for larger cleaning needs, receiving deliveries, and closing the building at the end of the day as scheduled. 

Provide guidance to adult and youth volunteers as directed.   Other related duties as assigned. 

The requirements for this position include the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Basic computer literacy required.  Experience with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. 
• Minimum two years’ experience required in any of the following areas: facilitation of play, art, drama, music, or other creative activities, working with and/or supervising adult and youth volunteers, and/or early childhood education or other educational and/or recreational experience with children.
• Must be able to work with and handle live animals safely including small mammals, herps, birds, and invertebrates.
• Excellent customer service skills and/or demonstrated ability to work with the public effectively required.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.  Strong ability to communicate effectively with children of diverse background aged birth-10 and their caregivers required.  English fluency at working professional proficiency required.
• 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. 

Preferred qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or related field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience is preferred.   Minimum one-year experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, art studio environment, or early childhood classroom preferred.  A genuine interest in nature, animals, and children preferred.  Creative skills and abilities such as those demonstrated by a musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, farmer, naturalist, craftsman, costume designer, seamstress, or other relevant skills that could be applied to play experiences preferred.   Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.   Experience with PowerPoint and other office software packages preferred. 

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.  Attendance at events, trainings, conferences, etc. at off-site locations will be required (may require local travel).  Incumbent must be able to learn effective play facilitation skills. This position requires rotating shifts including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule.  Must be able to work in outdoor and indoor settings in a variety of weather conditions.  Incumbent is expected to incorporate knowledge of the Society, its mission, vision, and values into daily operations and job responsibilities.  Position requires ongoing training and continuing education.  Must be a flexible team player and able to work in a fast-paced environment. 

The Chicago Zoological Society requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  New hires must have at least received their first dose of the vaccine prior to their start date and must test weekly until fully vaccinated.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to apply:

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile.  Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers.  Please look for requisition number 2197BR.