The Assistant Manager, Nature Play Programs contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society (“CZS”) by providing an extraordinary guest experience and creating innovation in conservation leadership by ensuring excellence in the daily operations, programs, and activities of the Hamill Family Play Zoo (“HFPZ”), providing staff supervision, training, and development and coordinating volunteer involvement.  

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

Supervise, oversee, and direct the activities of Family Play Program crew related to the daily guest experience and operation of the exhibit, programs, and strategic initiatives.  Ensure high performance standards are met in the measurement and quality of guest service excellence, workplace quality, and employee engagement. 

Provide coaching, counseling, training, and development of crew with a focus on HFPZ Play Program Coordinators, seasonal staff, and volunteers.  Support new hire training, department orientation, on-going staff training and development, daily staff schedules, feedback and performance appraisals.

Ensure that volunteer assignments and schedules are coordinated and communicated to other areas/departments as needed, including individuals working with groups such as the Bridges Program, the Good Works Program, Master Gardeners, King Conservations Scholars crew, and special groups coming in for one-time volunteer projects. 

Supervise daily play programs and services provided to HFPZ guests.  Ensure guest service excellence and ongoing program quality.  Model and integrate family nature play into daily guest experiences.  Assist the Manager, Nature Play Programs to ensure that programs provided through Family Play Programs and daily operations of HFPZ align with the strategic goals of CZS.  Coordinate program/projects and meet deadlines. Maintain an active and visible supervisory presence with staff, volunteers, and guests. 

Ensure inclusion of all individuals that participate in nature play programs, emphasizing all individual abilities and similarities.  Assure the daily operations and activities of the HFPZ and its programs are carried out in a manner that provides exceptional guest experiences and supports inclusion.

Other related duties as assigned.