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Employment

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Southwick’s Zoo team!

Questions about working at Southwick’s Zoo? Email [email protected].

*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. In accordance with Massachusetts child labor laws, please no applicants under 16 years of age.

  • 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 must be at least 16 years of age. Please note that some positions require a minimum age of 18 years.
  • 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.

Returning Employees:

If you worked at Southwick’s Zoo during 2022 and wish to return for the 2023 season, please fill out and submit the Returning Employee Application.

If you wish to apply to work in a different position in a different department, please fill out the seasonal position application.

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.

Admissions/Retail/Attractions Team Member

Summary

Team Members in this seasonal position may work part time or full time hours in a variety of locations in the zoo including the entrance, attractions, and retail locations. The team members would provide our guests with excellent customer service and help ensure that all guests have a positive experience.

Duties

  • Assist visitors with entry into the zoo
  • Provide information about zoo rules and other information
  • Handle transactions and operate the POS terminals
  • Keep work area clean and organized
  • Stock and display merchandise
  • Answer visitor questions.

 

Requirements

  • Must have strong customer service skills, and must be comfortable interacting with and conversing with all types of guests.
  • Must be able to work as a team or independently.
  • Must have strong communication skills.
  • 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.
  • 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 20 pounds.

Pony Ride Attendant (Applicants must be 18+)

Summary 

This full-time or part time seasonal position feeds and cleans the Pony Ride Attraction area on a daily basis, provides excellent customer service to patrons, and reports Animal Care issues to the Department Supervisor or Department Manager. 

Duties 

  • Daily feeding and cleaning of all ponies and pony area. 
  • Daily grooming of all ponies.
  • Collect tickets/money from customers, count daily and record and bring tickets to front office at the end of week.
  • Warming up the ponies/practicing commands every day.
  • Lift children onto saddles and walk ponies around for a ride.
  • Explain and enforce rules to customers. 
  • Drive the Gator to transport animals, dump manure, and stock up on hay, shavings, and vegetables.
  • Assist in the Deer Forest and Petting Zoo as an attendant as needed.
  • Assist with veterinary care needed for ponies.
  • Will be exposed to animal bites and fecal pathogens.

Requirements 

  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Must be able to be in close proximity to hay and shavings and other possible allergens, such as hay and alfalfa.
  • Must have strong customer service skills.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s license.
  • Must complete all the training required by Southwick’s Zoo.
  • Must be able to work in all-weather elements including rain, extreme heat, and extreme cold
  • Must attend manager/zoo wide meetings and complete all training required by Southwick’s Zoo
  • Must be able to lift, move, pull, or push up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be a team player.

Parking Supervisor (Applicants must be 18+)

Summary

The parking supervisor will oversee parking lot attendants and all parking areas with an emphasis on safety, communication, and efficiency. This position is a seasonal position from April to October. The Parking Supervisor will also be required to take shifts as a parking attendant in a supervisory role. They will assist guests with parking their vehicles in a safe and organized manner. Job responsibilities include assisting with scheduling, schedule changes, shift coverage, staff management, time management, parking lot set-up, parking lot maintenance and supply management, 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.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age with a drivers license for at least 2 years.
  • Weekend availability is a priority.
  • Must be safety conscious.
  • 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 heat, rain, and cold weather fore extended periods of time.
  • This is a high energy position and requires the ability to move quickly.

    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.

    Skyfari Ride Operator (Applicants must be 18+)

    Summary

    This position includes both operation and maintenance of our Skyfari ride. Skyfari Operators are required to follow proper safety and operational procedures which include loading and unloading riders, responsibly operating the ride, enforcing safety rules, and reporting concerns as they arise.

    Requirements

    • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
    • Per MA law, must submit and pass a CORI check.
    • Must have experience working with machinery and have mechanical knowledge.
    • Must be friendly and comfortable interacting with visitors, including answering questions.
    • Must be safety conscious and can work quickly and safely with others in a supervisory capacity.
    • Must have excellent communication skills and ability to maintain effective communication.
    • Must complete all yearly safety training and attend all company mandatory meetings.
    • Must be able to work in all weather conditions including rain, cold, and hot weather.
    • 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.

      Zip Line Ride Operator (Applicants must be 18+)

      Summary

      Employees in this position operate our Soaring Eagle Zip Line ride. Zip Line operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of our visitors while providing a fun and exciting experience. Zip Line Operators handle ride payments, assist guests with boarding the ride, ensure that they are safely restrained, operate the ride, and explain and enforce all ride safety rules and regulations.

      Requirements

      • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
      • Per MA law, must submit and pass a CORI check.
      • Must be safety conscious and have strong attention to detail.
      • Must be friendly and comfortable interacting with zoo visitors of all ages.
      • Prior ride operation experience is preferred, but we are willing to train.
      • 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.
      • 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.

        Train Ride Operator (Applicants must be 21+)

        Summary

        Train Ride Operators drive our Woodland Express Train which is a rubber tire train driven through our North American habitat. These team members are available to work part time or full time hours during the season and are responsible for providing guests with a fun and enjoyable experience while maintaining a safe environment for guests and animals.

        Duties

        • Drive the train in a safe manner for our guests and animals in the exhibit
        • Assist passengers with boarding and exiting the train
        • Provide information about the zoo and answer visitor questions
        • Notify maintenance of any potential mechanical issues.

        Requirements

        • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
        • Per MA law, must submit and pass a CORI check.
        • A valid drivers license is required.
        • Must have prior experience driving trailers and operating machinery.
        • Experience with air brakes, tractors, and truck driving is preferred.
        • Must be safety conscious and have strong attention to detail.
        • Must be self-motivated and dependable.
        • Must be friendly and comfortable interacting with zoo visitors of all ages.
        • 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.
        • Position would require regularly sitting, 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 18+)

          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 18 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.

           

          Safety and Security Lead (Applicants must be 18+)

          Summary 

          Safety and Security Lead position aids the public in emergency and nonemergency situations, helps to protect the zoo property, and enforce Southwick’s Zoo safety policies and procedures. The position needs to oversee the scheduling for staff on weekends monitor, analyze, identify situations and determine the best approach to resolve the situations they encounter during their weekday shifts. Safety and Security Leads fill have part time or full time hours during the season must be available weekdays, and some weekends, dayshifts, and some weekend nights if coverage is needed. 

           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
          • Monitor for the presence of unauthorized persons
          • Maintain access control of premises and monitors entrances and exits
          • Prepare reports on accidents, incidents, and suspicious activities
          • Provide high level of customer service and assistance to employees and courteous and professional manner
          • Must attend manager/zoo wide meetings and complete all training required by Southwick’s Zoo
          • Must be able to work in all weather conditions including rain, cold, and hot weather.
          • Provides direct supervision for Safety and Security team members.

           

          Requirements 

          • High School diploma or GED equivalent
          • Must be at least 18 years of age.
          • Previous Security and Management experience preferred.
          • Must possess a state issued Driver’s License and Healthcare Provider CPR Card
          • Must be able to successfully pass a CORI background check that includes personal references, criminal history, employment, and education verification, DMV check and credit check if applicable.
          • Ability to provide high level of customer service
          • Ability to work in all weather conditions including cold, rain, and heat.
          • Ability to stand for long periods of time during shift
          • Ability to obtain and maintain specific training in crowd management, T.I.P.S, CPR/AED, and Emergency First Responder.

          Food & Beverage Supervisor (Applicants must be 18+)

          Summary

          Food & Beverage Supervisors oversee the daily operations of the food and beverage services within Southwick’s Zoo. They ensure the delivery of exceptional service and product, maintain a safe and clean work environment, and provide guidance and support to Food Service Team Members. 

          Duties

          • Monitor, observe, and assist Food Service Team Members.
          • Manage and Monitor product quality and ensure that all food handling, preparation, and storage standards are met.
          • Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation standards to maintain a clean and safe work environment
          • Assist with training new team members on approved company procedures
          • Enforce all employee standards of conduct per the employee manual and enforce rules/regulations,

          Requirements

          • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
          • Weekend availability is a priority for this position.
          • Must have prior experience in a food service position.
          • Must have strong customer service skills and ability to professionally resolve customer conflicts
          • Must have experience operating a POS system and handling cash
          • Must be highly motivated and goal oriented
          • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced work environment and able to multi-task
          • Must have strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify and address issues quickly and accordingly
          • 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.
          • 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.

          Food & Beverage Team Member

          Summary

          Food & Beverage Team members work in various venues throughout the park. They are responsible for recording sales transactions on the cash register and providing general customer assistance.

          Duties:
          • Receives cash, charge and check transactions in accordance with restaurant procedures.
          • Provides the customer with an appropriate receipt for each transaction.
          • Provides and initiates assistance for customers as needed.
          • Receives incoming telephone calls, takes accurate messages and directs telephone calls to the appropriate person.
          • Maintains adequate stock of paper forms for cash register area, and notifies Supervisor when additional supplies are needed.
          • Attends company meetings and training sessions as required.
          • Balances cash drawer and totals currency sales each day.
          • Places cash and transaction records into safe in accordance with compnay procedures on a daily basis.
          • Reports any problems or discrepancies to Supervisor.
          •  Performs other related duties as assigned.
          • Follows allergen protocol.

          Requirements

          • Must have a friendly demeanor and strong customer service skills
          • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and demanding work environment
          • Must have strong oral and written communication skills and be able to work in a team environment or independently
          • Position would require 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.
          • Availability at night is required for certain special events.

            Food & Beverage Cook

            Summary

            Concessions Cooks work in Southwick’s Zoo’s food and beverage venues. They are responsible for completing food preparation and performing basic kitchen responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the restaurant by performing the following duties.:

            Duties
            • Reads and prepares menu items as ordered by customers according to portion control and quality standards of the menu.
            • Follows specific recipes and instructions to prepare menu items using basic kitchen equipment and preparatory utensils.
            •Prepares food items according to recipes, instructions and customer orders, and follows food handling and safety requirements.
            • Retrieves ingredients from appropriate areas by lifting and carrying to food preparation area.
            • Communicates shortage of menu items to Manager immediately.
            • Unloads deliveries from truck and places in appropriate storage areas by lifting and carrying boxes.
            • Stores incoming food shipments properly in storeroom, maintains storeroom in a neat, orderly manner and ensures all food items are stored at the appropriate temperature.
            • Places dishes in dishwasher and cleans dishes in pot and pan sink as needed. Stocks dishes, glassware and silverware as needed.
            • Maintains a neat and orderly work area, sweeps and mops the kitchen floor at the end of each day.
            • Completes opening and closing duties in accordance with approved procedures.
            •  Reports any health and/or safety concerns/violations immediately to management.
            •  Performs other related duties as assigned.
            • Follows allergen protocol.

            Requirements

            • Must have a friendly demeanor and strong customer service skills
            • Must be organized
            • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and demanding work environment
            • Must have strong oral and written communication skills and be able to work in a team environment or independently
            • Position would require 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.
            • Availability at night is required for certain special events.