Jobs at the Zoo

Check out the Employment section of the Cleveland Metroparks web site for a complete listing of jobs at the Zoo and other Cleveland Metroparks reservations.

Interested in the career of zookeeping? Click here for information from the American Association of Zookeepers (AZAK).

High School Students: Check out Career Day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Zoo Internships & Seasonal Positions

Applications are accepted throughout the year for Cleveland Metroparks seasonal employment positions. Anyone 16 years of age with an Ohio driver's license and a good driving record may apply. If you wish to apply for a seasonal job, submit an Seasonal Employment Application (PDF download) indicating the specific position and zone to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Department of Human Resources
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44144

The following internship and seasonal positions are available at the Zoo:

• Animal Care/Conservation and Science
  
• Education
  
• Marketing
• Guest Services
  
• Veterinary

Full-time and Part-time Employment

• Application Process

Animal Care Internships

The positions have been filled for 2008

The Animal Care Division offers a limited number of paid summer internships. The number of internships vary between 6-10 in accordance with the needs of the Zoo for that particular summer. The selection process for these internships is highly competitive. Applicants should be currently enrolled in a Biology, Zoology, or related college degree program. The Animal Care Division does not accept volunteers.

Animal Care Department
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland OH 44109

Education Seasonal Interpreter (2009)

The Conservation Education Division is offering seasonal positions for the 2009 summer season. This position offers experience educating the visiting public on animal, cultural and natural history information through the use of interpretation to increase public awareness of conservation and stewardship.

Qualifications:

• Season begins March 15th through November 2
• Must work weekends, holidays and some evenings
• Personable and outgoing
• Public speaking experience helpful
• Interpretation, education, or theatre background preferred
• Able to work up to 37 hours a week
• Must be 18 years or older

Wages: $8.52/hr

Positions will be open until filled.
Please download an application and send resumes
(list this specific position and location on the application)
and return to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Department of Human Resources
4101 Fulton Parkway

Zoo Education Assistant (2008)
Summer Day Camp

The position has been filled for 2008

The Zoo Education Division is offering one paid seasonal position 40 hours a week. The position will assist with the program development, coordination, staffing and training to counselors for the Summer Day Camp program. This position involves direct interactions with children ages 5-12, interactions with other Zoo division personnel and will include hands-on animal interactions that promote the conservation of the environment and the appreciation of wildlife. Will give work direction to counselors.

Qualifications:

• Personable and outgoing, work efficiently and in an organized manner
• Effective/strong communication skills
• Possess or be working towards a degree in education, biology, zoology, natural sciences, performing arts or other related field
• At least two seasons of camp experience are required
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Must be willing to be fingerprinted, drug screened, and able to secure three written references attesting to the suitability of the individual to work with children
• Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license

Wages: $13.26/hr

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Zoo Education
Senior Counselor, Summer Day Camp (2009)

The Senior Counselor is responsible for direct supervision of campers and for conducting daily camp activities, including arts and crafts, games, music and nature activities and tours of Zoo exhibits. These positions involve direct interactions with children ages 5-12, interactions with other Zoo division personnel and will include hands-on animal interactions.

Qualifications:

• Possess or be working towards a degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Natural Sciences, Performing Arts or other related fields
• Previous experience in camp, zoo, aquarium, or nature center education preferred
• Must be willing to be fingerprinted, drug screened, and to secure three written references attesting to the suitability of the individual to work with children
• Personable and outgoing, work efficiently and in an organized manner
• Effective/strong communication skills

Wages: $8.52/hr

Hours: Up to 40 hrs/wk

Summer Day Camp starts June 15 and ends August 21. Training is scheduled before camp starts. To apply, send resume/application to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Zoo Education
Junior Counselor, Summer Day Camp (2009)

The Junior Counselor will assist in conducting daily camp activities, including arts and crafts, games, music, nature activities and tours of Zoo exhibits. These positions involve direct interactions with children ages 5-12.

Qualifications:

• Must be between the ages of 16-18
• Should be personable and outgoing, work efficiently and in an organized manner
• Must have effective/strong communication skills
• Must be willing to be fingerprinted, drug screened and to secure three written references attesting to the suitability of the individual to work with children

Wages: $7.30/hr

Hours: Up to 40 hrs/wk

Summer Day Camp starts June 15 and ends August 21. Training is scheduled before camp starts. To apply send resume/application to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Education Internships (unpaid)

College Internships

The Education Division offers a limited number of unpaid, college internships throughout the year. Applicants may choose to apply for an unpaid internship in the Animal Management, Education, Horticulture or Marketing Divisions. A typical unpaid, college internship is three to four months in duration. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Contact:

Education Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, Oh 44109
(216)635-3395

Additional education position listings are on www.clemetparks.com

Marketing Internships

The Marketing Division offers a summer paid internship each year, as well as volunteer internships throughout the year. Applicants for the paid summer internship should apply in January or early February for the following summer. Applicants should be currently enrolled in a Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or related college degree program. Preference is given to those individuals who have volunteered in the marketing division or have worked in other areas of the Zoo such as guest services. Contact:

Sue Allen
Manager of Marketing & Public Relations
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, Oh 44109
(216) 661-6500 x3338

Guest Services
Guest Services Associate

All the positions have been filled.

The Guest Services Division is seeking applicants for Guest Services Associates. This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service to Zoo visitors in a friendly, personable manner at all times.

Guest Service Associates direct traffic, pedestrian flow, and parking in a safe efficient manner; answer visitor inquires and provide information regarding special events or activities; accurately compare tickets with ticket type, time, date and prevent unauthorized entry into the Zoo, The RainForest and other areas; and safely monitor the buildings and grounds in a friendly and professional manner.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. Seasonal employees may be high school students.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Must be personable, outgoing and possess a positive and co-operative attitude.
• Must have a willingness and ability to act/perform and wear costumes.
• Must be willing to work during the week, weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.
• Drug testing may be required.

Salary: $7.00 /hour

To apply: send resume/application to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Guest Services
Tram/Rides Driver

The Guest Services Division is seeking applicants for Tram/Rides Drivers. This position is responsible for performing safe, courteous and effective operation of the Zoo trams and Boomerang Line Railroad Train. Drivers must obey all safety standards and guidelines and provide exceptional customer service to Zoo visitors in a friendly and personable manner.

Tram/Rides Drivers must perform daily maintenance and safety checks on Zoo Trams and/or Boomerang Line railroad train and complete daily written safety/maintenance check reports; clean the Zoo trams and/or Boomerang Line railroad train daily and perform general cleaning of tram/train washing area; provide information and exhibit locations to Zoo visitors regarding special events or activities; act as host/hostess at tram/train service stops and safely assist visitors boarding/departing and with personal property (including wagons, coolers, wheelchairs, etc.).

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid Ohio Driver's License
• Demonstrated ability to perform variable physical outdoor labor in normal duties, i.e., lifting of 50 lbs and pulling/pushing various equipment or objects.
• Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.
• Drug testing may be required.

Salary: $7.00 /hour

To apply: send resume/application to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Guest Services
Admissions - Cashier

The Cashier collects admission fees and payments for goods and services, renders information and assistance to Zoo visitors in a pleasant manner, operates computer-based ticketing system to record fees from admission, fish sales, and train ride revenues, provides quality customer service and ensures accurate point of sale transactions, ensures accurate information regarding visitation and payment methods, counts and verifies revenues, organizes information for, and provides assistance to, groups and individuals purchasing or picking up tickets and provides coverage for Zoo Receptionist.

Qualifications:

• Pleasant disposition.
• High aptitude for math.
• Must work weekends, holidays, and evenings as scheduled.
• Background checks and drug testing may be required.

Salary: $7.00 /hour

To apply: send resume/application to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Human Resources Department
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

Veterinary Externships

The Veterinary Division offers an extremely limited number of externships for third and fourth year professional students that are currently enrolled in a College of Veterinary Medicine or currently enrolled in a Veterinary Technician program. These positions are not salaried and are available only for academic credit with the approval of your veterinary school.Specific information required by your college's Office of Academic Affairs and specific dates that you are available will help process your application. Completed applications should be received at least one year in advance of the anticipated start date.Forward a cover letter, resume and recommendations to:

Dr. A. H. Lewandowski
Veterinary Division
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109

FULL-TIME & PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
APPLICATION PROCESS

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with Cleveland Metroparks. Applications and resumes are accepted only when a position vacancy exists. As vacancies occur, they are posted on Cleveland Metroparks bulletin boards and recorded on a 24-hour Employment Hotline, 216-635-3211 (TTY 216-351-0808) or the Cleveland Metroparks web site. As necessary, advertisements may be listed in newspapers and job related publications. If you wish to apply for a current job vacancy, submit an application and/or resume indicating the specific position to:

Cleveland Metroparks
Department of Human Resources
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144

or e-mail to resumes@clevelandmetroparks.com Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Cleveland Metroparks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability or Vietnam Era and Special Disable Veterans status.