Guest Engagement Fellow

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.