1-800-258-9182

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 – December.
  • 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.

Reach out to hr@southwickszoo.com with any questions.

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.

Safety and Security Officer (Applicants must be 21+)

Summary

Safety and Security Officers work part time or full-time hours in this seasonal position. The position aids the public in emergency and nonemergency situations, helps to protect the zoo property, and enforce Southwick’s Zoo safety policies and procedures.

Duties

  • Perform security patrols of designated areas by foot or vehicle
  • Observe for any conditions that may create security concerns or safety hazards
  • Respond to emergency situations and/or alarms and contact appropriate emergency services based up situation
  • Prepare reports on accidents, incidents, and suspicious activities
  • Provide high level of customer service and assistance to employees and courteous and professional manner

Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • At least 1 year of experience working in security preferred
  • Must possess a state issued Driver’s License and Healthcare Provider CPR Card
  • Must be able to successfully pass a background check that includes personal references, criminal history, employment, and education verification.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in various environments including, but not limited, cold, rain, and heat.
  • Capable of patrolling on foot and walking distances totaling up to 5-10 miles per shift
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time during shift
  • Ability to obtain and maintain specific training in crowd management, T.I.P.S, and CPR/AED
  • 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.

 

Additional Positions

We do not have any animal care openings at this time. To inquire about future animal care employment opportunities at Southwick’s Zoo, please call 800-258-9182 ext 209 or mail your cover letter (addressed to Betsey Brewer), resume, and two professional references to:

Attn: Animal Care
Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick’s Street
Mendon, MA 01756