Employment
Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Southwick’s Zoo team!
Questions about working at Southwick’s Zoo? Email HR@southwickszoo.com.
*If you are looking for information regarding Animal Care Internships or Education Internships with EARTH Limited and Southwick’s Zoo, click HERE.
*If you are looking for information about employment at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern (front of house, back of house, and event staff positions), click HERE.
Requirements For All Positions
Seasonal positions are part-time, and schedules will vary weekly for most positions.
Please review the position descriptions below before completing your application to determine which position you are best suited for.
- Availability: Applicants must be available to work during our normal zoo season (April through October) including weekdays, weekends, holidays unless stated otherwise. Evening shifts may also be available to work during Winter Wonderland, open October – January.
- All applicants under 18 years old are required to have work permits submitted before their start date.
- All applicants must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions unless otherwise stated in the job position requirements.
- All job positions can be assigned additional duties as required by management.
Seasonal Positions
Please review the positions below to determine which position you are best suited for. Please do not apply for positions unless you meet both age and job requirements. Sorry, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to consider applications that do not meet all requirements, and not all applicants will be contacted.
Click position titles to expand for full descriptions. Click the button below to apply.
If you’re interested in working our Jack O’Lantern or Winter Wonderland Events, please reach out to HR@southwickszoo.com or apply below:
Parking Attendant
Summary
Parking attendants assist guests with parking their vehicles in a safe and organized manner. Job responsibilities include directing vehicles (including school buses) to park in the appropriate areas, directing traffic as guests cross the street, maintaining a safe environment for both drivers and pedestrians, keeping parking lots clean and free of litter, and assisting in other areas of the zoo as needed. Employees in this position may also assist with grounds keeping activities as needed.
Requirements
- Weekend availability is a priority.
- Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing.
- Must be safety conscious and have a strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Must have a positive and upbeat demeanor.
- Must have strong customer service and communication skills.
- This position would require regularly standing and walking. Applicants must be able to use both hands, reach with hands and arms, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally, and be able to lift or move up to 60 pounds.
- Must complete all training and attend all company mandatory meetings.
- Must be able to work in all weather conditions including rain, cold, and hot weather for extended periods of time.
- This is a high energy position and requires the ability to move quickly.
General Ride Operator (Applicants must be 18+)
Overview
Ride Operators are responsible for operating the mechanical amusement rides within the zoo. They must ensure a safe environment for zoo visitors while providing excellent customer service. Operators board and secure guests, operate rides, enforce zoo safety rules and regulations, and perform additional tasks as required by management. May also assist with parking as needed.
Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Per MA law, must submit and pass a CORI check.
- Must be friendly and comfortable interacting with visitors, including answering questions.
- Must be safety conscious and have the ability to work quickly and safely with others in a supervisory capacity.
- Must complete yearly safety training.
- Must have excellent communication skills and ability to maintain effective communication.
- This position requires regularly standing and walking. Applicants must be able to use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl occasionally, and be able to lift or move up to 60 pounds.
Additional Positions
Jack O Lantern Festival Team Member
Summary:
Come join the Zoo Crew this fall on their next Wild Adventure as we get ready for The Great Jack O’ Lantern Journey! There are many opportunities to work during the festival, that include flexible hours for nights and weekends. The festival starts Thursday, September 28th, and is open in the evenings Thursday through Sunday every week until the end of October. Festival team members can help to carve and prep pumpkins on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school and into the early evenings. Festival team members can also work during the festival Thursday through Sunday as an Event Staff team member or working in one of our concession or retail stands. We provide on-the-job training for different positions, no experience required!
Duties:
- Must be available at night and on weekends.
- Must follow supervisors’ instructions and also work independently.
- Must provide customer service and follow safety protocols during the festival
Requirements:
- Must be of legal age to work. If an applicant is under 18, they must provide a work permit.
- Must have reliable transportation to get to work.
- Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and reach for long periods of time.
- Must work outside in different weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain.
- Must be a team member.
