KCLA Facilitator Community Engagement Seasonal
Brookfieldzoo, Brookfield, IL, United States
KCLA Facilitator Community Engagement Seasonal
Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
Job Description Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:59 AM
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!
This
KCLA Facilitator, Community Engagement Seasonal
contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by extending BZC’s mission to all of the communities it serves, including generating consistent, positive exposure for BZC through community engagement in experiential learning opportunities. The primary goal for this position is to provide high-quality informal S.T.E.A.M. education while building strong, sustainable relationships with a diverse spectrum of audiences and organizations partaking in onsite, offsite, and virtual programming.
This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S009-3 with a pay rate of $21.45 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below the job description information.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Works
with the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy, to develop informal S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education programs that are informed by the Next Generation Science Standards and other applicable education frameworks. Specifically,
coordinates and organizes efforts for the day-of delivery and facilitation of developed programs
in alignment with designed program plans and in support of achieving intended program outcomes, by utilizing the instructional resources allotted to the programs and working in conjunction with identified community individuals and organizations.
Delivers
education programs and activities through off-site, on-site, and virtual learning opportunities. This specifically includes the multigenerational family-based programs of Zoo Adventure Passport! (ZAP!), the authentic problem-based learning for middle school-aged children (Ages 11-14) of the King Conservation Science Explorers, the experiential learning opportunities for high school-aged youth (Ages 14-18) of the King Conservation Science Scholars, and the connective resources of the King Academy Alumni Network. The position also includes
providing outreach at job fairs, and community events within targeted communities.
The goal is to help learners: Connect - understand connections between them, their lives, and their environment; Care - have empathy for living things; and Conserve - take action that leads to a sustainable relationship with nature.
Assists
the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy and departmental leadership with fundraising related to Education & Community Engagement and King Conservation Leadership Academy efforts. This
includes supporting grant writing and the creation of various reports and presentations
based on accurate and regular maintenance of the application, registration, and attendance databases about programs and program participants.
Assists
team efforts related to programmatic promotion, delivery, and ongoing communications through department and organization approved resources and means using written and verbal communication. Will work with the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy, and translation services to ensure programmatic materials and flyers are available in English and Spanish.
Assists
team efforts with program participant recruitment, application, registration, onboarding, engagement, and successful completion of requirements as needed by programmatic structure. This includes parent and family orientation processes for youth-centric programming, as well as the regular monitoring and supportive coaching of individual participants through project-based learning opportunities of varying scopes.
Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of BZC objectives.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree in Communications, Education, Biology, Liberal Arts or other relevant field, or four years’ equivalent combination of related training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
Minimum 6-months experience in components of project coordination such as identifying and organizing resources, establishing priorities, and meeting critical deadlines. (Prior experience may include any singular or relevant combination of school projects, internships, volunteer or paid work experience.)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal, written, and listening skills. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
English fluency at a professional working proficiency required.
Ability to build relationships and strong rapport, and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies and diverse communities.
Ability to work independently.
Self-motivated, responsible individual who is results-oriented, flexible, persistent, and helpful, with strong follow-up skills.
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work within a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required.
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
Knowledgeable about zoo/aquaria and conservation issues and topics desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of the KCLA Facilitator, Community Engagement Seasonal, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, organizational objectives, and how the projects undertaken impact the operations of BZC and achievement of its mission and long-term strategies. Incumbent will work closely with other managers and staff to plan and provide full support for programs and operations as appropriate.
Incumbent must have a commitment to excellence. Incumbent works both onsite and offsite. Community-based programming requires the individual to drive Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) vehicles to various locations around the Chicago metropolitan area. Individual is expected to be present and visible at designated events sponsored by BZC onsite, in the community, for its employees, and other professional participants and other audiences as requested. Thus, individual must be prepared to make a significant commitment to the organization. Regular weekend, evening, and/or event work is required along with local travel around the Chicago metropolitan area. Some other travel may be required.
This is a seasonal, part-time position requiring regular weekend, evening, and/or event work. Work schedules are based on the needs of operation. For reference, the incumbent must be flexible and available to work an average of: 4 hours per week on weekends during the spring (generally April 01 to May 31); 24 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, during the summer season (generally June 01 to August 15); 4 hours per week on weekends during the fall (generally September 15 to December 31).
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS See Occupational Requirements Form.
001368/S009s3/011226
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.
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 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.
Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:59 AM
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!
This
KCLA Facilitator, Community Engagement Seasonal
contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by extending BZC’s mission to all of the communities it serves, including generating consistent, positive exposure for BZC through community engagement in experiential learning opportunities. The primary goal for this position is to provide high-quality informal S.T.E.A.M. education while building strong, sustainable relationships with a diverse spectrum of audiences and organizations partaking in onsite, offsite, and virtual programming.
This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade S009-3 with a pay rate of $21.45 per hour. Please see Benefits Summary section below the job description information.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Works
with the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy, to develop informal S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education programs that are informed by the Next Generation Science Standards and other applicable education frameworks. Specifically,
coordinates and organizes efforts for the day-of delivery and facilitation of developed programs
in alignment with designed program plans and in support of achieving intended program outcomes, by utilizing the instructional resources allotted to the programs and working in conjunction with identified community individuals and organizations.
Delivers
education programs and activities through off-site, on-site, and virtual learning opportunities. This specifically includes the multigenerational family-based programs of Zoo Adventure Passport! (ZAP!), the authentic problem-based learning for middle school-aged children (Ages 11-14) of the King Conservation Science Explorers, the experiential learning opportunities for high school-aged youth (Ages 14-18) of the King Conservation Science Scholars, and the connective resources of the King Academy Alumni Network. The position also includes
providing outreach at job fairs, and community events within targeted communities.
The goal is to help learners: Connect - understand connections between them, their lives, and their environment; Care - have empathy for living things; and Conserve - take action that leads to a sustainable relationship with nature.
Assists
the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy and departmental leadership with fundraising related to Education & Community Engagement and King Conservation Leadership Academy efforts. This
includes supporting grant writing and the creation of various reports and presentations
based on accurate and regular maintenance of the application, registration, and attendance databases about programs and program participants.
Assists
team efforts related to programmatic promotion, delivery, and ongoing communications through department and organization approved resources and means using written and verbal communication. Will work with the Director, King Conservation Leadership Academy, and translation services to ensure programmatic materials and flyers are available in English and Spanish.
Assists
team efforts with program participant recruitment, application, registration, onboarding, engagement, and successful completion of requirements as needed by programmatic structure. This includes parent and family orientation processes for youth-centric programming, as well as the regular monitoring and supportive coaching of individual participants through project-based learning opportunities of varying scopes.
Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of BZC objectives.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree in Communications, Education, Biology, Liberal Arts or other relevant field, or four years’ equivalent combination of related training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
Minimum 6-months experience in components of project coordination such as identifying and organizing resources, establishing priorities, and meeting critical deadlines. (Prior experience may include any singular or relevant combination of school projects, internships, volunteer or paid work experience.)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal, written, and listening skills. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
English fluency at a professional working proficiency required.
Ability to build relationships and strong rapport, and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies and diverse communities.
Ability to work independently.
Self-motivated, responsible individual who is results-oriented, flexible, persistent, and helpful, with strong follow-up skills.
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work within a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required.
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
Knowledgeable about zoo/aquaria and conservation issues and topics desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of the KCLA Facilitator, Community Engagement Seasonal, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, organizational objectives, and how the projects undertaken impact the operations of BZC and achievement of its mission and long-term strategies. Incumbent will work closely with other managers and staff to plan and provide full support for programs and operations as appropriate.
Incumbent must have a commitment to excellence. Incumbent works both onsite and offsite. Community-based programming requires the individual to drive Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) vehicles to various locations around the Chicago metropolitan area. Individual is expected to be present and visible at designated events sponsored by BZC onsite, in the community, for its employees, and other professional participants and other audiences as requested. Thus, individual must be prepared to make a significant commitment to the organization. Regular weekend, evening, and/or event work is required along with local travel around the Chicago metropolitan area. Some other travel may be required.
This is a seasonal, part-time position requiring regular weekend, evening, and/or event work. Work schedules are based on the needs of operation. For reference, the incumbent must be flexible and available to work an average of: 4 hours per week on weekends during the spring (generally April 01 to May 31); 24 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, during the summer season (generally June 01 to August 15); 4 hours per week on weekends during the fall (generally September 15 to December 31).
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS See Occupational Requirements Form.
001368/S009s3/011226
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.
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 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.
Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
#J-18808-Ljbffr