Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.
ABOUT THE GUEST ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
- The Guest Engagement Fellowship program prepares emerging professionals for careers interpreting wildlife and nature.
- In this immersive program, Guest Engagement Fellows learn about efforts in care, conservation & science, and informal learning from zoo experts, and explore ways to meaningfully connect guests to these stories through a nationally recognized training and professionally supported practice on zoo grounds.
WHY YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF OUR FELLOWS
- Lincoln Park Zoo connects learners of all ages with nature and wildlife.
- Located in the heart of Chicago, we welcome over 3.5 million visitors annually.
- This program will prepare you to engage diverse learners in a variety of interpretive programs. As a Guest Engagement Fellow, you will learn new skills and improve upon already developed ones including public speaking, communication, critical thinking, and program development.
- You will also have the opportunity to gain a certificate as an Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation; Lincoln Park Zoo will provide this training and cover required fees.
- By the end of the program, you will possess the credentials needed to pursue a career in interpretation.
For more information on CIG visit:
- https://www.interpnet.com/NAI/nai/_certification/Certified_Interpretive_Guide.aspx
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- The Guest Engagement Fellowship Programs runs from April 6th – November 7th, 2026. Shifts consist of four full workdays (including one regular weekend day) for a total of 25-30 hours per week.
- Guest Engagement Fellows are paid an hourly rate of $18/hour for the duration of the program. In this program, you will play an essential role on the Guest Engagement team.
- You will spend the majority of your time facilitating inspiring learning experiences and providing excellent guest service to all visitors by leading daily interpretive programs.
- For a few hours each week you will also participate in staff meetings and weekly professional development sessions focused on skills development, the fundamentals of interpretation, and essential zoo knowledge.
- The rest of your time will be spent completing an independent project.
YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
AS A GUEST ENGAGEMENT FELLOW
- Communicate the zoo’s care, conservation & science, and community stories to zoo visitors using a microphone and in one-on-one interactions
- Narrate animal care training demonstrations to large audiences of 50-300 people
- Lead audience engagement experiences such as Malott Family Penguin Encounters, Farm-in-the-Zoo encounter programs, and additional experiences
- Use technology and biomaterials to engage visitors
- Complete requirements for a CIG certificate though the National Association of Interpretation
- Complete an independent project that aligns with the zoo’s mission, vision, and learning framework
- Participate in weekly professional development sessions
- Assist with and deliver additional interpretive programming as needed, including special event programming
THIS PROGRAM MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF…
- You interact positively and energetically in an informal learning environment
- You communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
- You maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities
- You work well in a team environment as well as independently
- You are courteous and respectful with team members, other staff, volunteers and zoo visitors
- You are interested in communicating nature and science to people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and knowledge levels
- You have some experience with interpretation at a service-oriented organization
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
- Capable of independently traversing across zoo grounds, remaining stationary for long periods of time, and working in a variety of weather conditions
- Capable of transporting supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and moving a rolling cart weighing up to 250 pounds
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccine
- Must be available to work on site. Shift includes one regular weekend day, as well as holidays and evenings as required. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on all other days.
- Must be available to come to the zoo for two weeks of training
- Monday - Friday, April 6th – 17th, 2026; 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Fluency in a second language is a plus
OUR PROMISE
- Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
- We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.
- For Wildlife.
- For All.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS
- In addition to such standard benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full-time employees):
- Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
- Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
- Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
- Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
- Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
- A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
- Salary: $18/hr.
Salary
- $18.00/hr
