Essential Job Functions

·         Provide administrative support by answering, screening, or forwarding phone calls and reception e-mails.

·         Assist guests with a variety of transactions.

·         Scheduling and managing payment and contracts for specific programs.

·         Process invoices and donations.

·         Maintain and order office supplies and track inventory.

·         Notify staff when guests arrive for meetings or packages have been delivered.

·         All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Talents

·         Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written.

·         Ability to muti-task and handle situations as they come about.

·         Strong sense of time management and organizational skills.

Qualifications

·         High school diploma or equivalent.

·         Experience in an office management or administrative position, preferred.

·         Ability to communicate across various means including in-person, email, and telephone. 

Summer camp at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is ten weeks long, beginning the week of Memorial Day. Camp hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm Monday through Friday, with instructors’ contract hours somewhere between 7:30am and 5:00pm. A typical day of camp includes approximately two hours of interactive, STEM-based lessons, lunch and free-play time, crafting, snack time, and a series of activities throughout the zoo including scavenger hunts, zookeeper chats, and various science and nature exploration activities. 

While curriculum is provided, instructors are expected to be able to work collaboratively and with exceptional creativity, knowing that working with children creates its own unique challenges and things do not always go according to plan. A sense of humor and adaptability is a must, as well as the ability to actively and independently problem-solve when issues arise. Training, materials, and support from administrative leaders will be provided to help you be successful!

This is a seasonal, on-call position for summer 2026. Applicants must be willing to be called into work with last-minute notice and have a wide range of availability through July 31, 2026.

Essential Job Functions

• Work directly with children of varying ages and abilities
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences
• Deliver STEM-based, educational programs to summer campers
• Introduce program participants to a variety of animal species through lessons, activities, and games
• Serve as a team player and work collaboratively with your co-teacher
• Communicate with families before and after camp
• All other duties as assigned

Preferred Talents and Qualifications

• Extensive experience facilitating education or teaching/mentoring youth
• Must be able to pass a background check
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively and with creativity
• Enthusiasm for nature and wildlife
• Superior organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to supervise children with a kind yet firm authority

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, hot, or muddy conditions. Must be able to work some nights and weekends for training sessions. 

Summer camp at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is ten weeks long, beginning the week of Memorial Day. Camp hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm Monday through Friday, with instructors’ contract hours somewhere between 7:30am and 5:00pm. A typical day of camp includes approximately two hours of interactive, STEM-based lessons, lunch and free-play time, crafting, snack time, and a series of activities throughout the zoo including scavenger hunts, zookeeper chats and animal demos, and various science and nature exploration activities. 

While curriculum is provided, instructors are expected to be able to work collaboratively and with exceptional creativity, knowing that working with children creates its own unique challenges and things do not always go according to plan. A sense of humor and flexibility is a must, as well as the ability to actively and independently problem-solve when issues arise.

This is a full-time, seasonal position for summer 2026. Applicants must be available for a minimum of 8-9 weeks of the summer with minimal time off. 

Essential Job Functions

• Work directly with children of varying ages and abilities
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences
• Deliver STEM-based, educational programs to summer campers
• Introduce program participants to a variety of animal species through lessons, activities, and games
• Serve as a team player and work collaboratively with your co-teacher
• Communicate with families before and after camp
• All other duties as assigned

 Preferred Talents and Qualifications

• Age 18 years or older strongly preferred, but younger applicants with significant experience may be considered
• Experience facilitating or teaching youth in an education setting or related experience strongly preferred
• Must be able to pass a background check
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively and with creativity
• Enthusiasm for nature and wildlife
• Superior organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to supervise children with a kind yet firm authority

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally. 

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, hot, or muddy conditions. Must be able to work some nights and weekends for training sessions. 

Summer camp at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is ten weeks long, beginning the week of Memorial Day. Camp hours are from 8:15am to 4:15pm Monday through Friday, with instructors’ contract hours somewhere between 7:30am and 5:00pm. A typical day of camp includes approximately two hours of interactive, STEM-based lessons, lunch and free-play time, crafting, snack time, and a series of activities throughout the zoo including scavenger hunts, zookeeper chats, and various science and nature exploration activities. 

While curriculum is provided, instructors are expected to be able to work collaboratively and with exceptional creativity, knowing that working with children creates its own unique challenges and things do not always go according to plan. A sense of humor and flexibility is a must, as well as the ability to actively and independently problem-solve when issues arise.

This is a full-time, seasonal position for summer 2026. Applicants must be available for a minimum of 8-9 weeks of the summer with minimal time off. 

Essential Job Functions

• Work directly with children of varying ages and abilities
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences
• Deliver STEM-based, educational programs to summer campers
• Introduce program participants to a variety of animal species through lessons, activities, and games
• Serve as a team player and work collaboratively with your co-teacher
• Communicate with families before and after camp
• All other duties as assigned

Preferred Talents and Qualifications

• Extensive experience facilitating education or teaching/mentoring youth
• Must be able to pass a background check
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively and with creativity
• Enthusiasm for nature and wildlife
• Superior organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to supervise children with a kind yet firm authority

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, hot, or muddy conditions. Must be able to work some nights and weekends for training sessions. 

Lincoln Children's Zoo is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to work with the Zoo's horticulture team. Responsibilities include caring for the Zoo's plant collection and general maintenance and upkeep of landscaped areas. The ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude and strong attention to detail

This is a part-time, seasonal position, working 30-40 hours a week from February 26th, 2024 through the end of October 2024. The schedule will typically be Monday-Friday but may be subject to change based on business needs.

Principal Duties:

• Assist the Horticulture Manager
• Perform care of ornamental gardens, trees, lawns and planters
• Landscaping management including mowing, weeding, mulching, trimming and installing plant material.
• Maintenance of ornamental koi pond

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sustain hard physical labor for 4 to 6 hours a day
• Ability to lift 30 to 40 pounds frequently
• Ability to lift 40 to 50 pounds occasionally

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license
• Demonstrated ability to proficiently operate lawn mowing equipment and landscape machinery
• Ability to perform strenuous labor in all inclement weather conditions
• Ability to work both as a team and also independently
• Ability to interact with the public in an engaging and welcoming manner

Essential Job Functions:

• Take photos during Summer Zoo Camps
• Additional opportunities to takes photos of animals, events, guests, Zoo Crew, etc.
• Edit and organize photos

Requirements/Experience:

• Existing knowledge of photography is required
• Ability to operate a DSLR camera (Personal camera gear is not required)
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop and/or Lightroom is preferred
• A photography portfolio is required for consideration

Additional Details:

• Internship can be used for college credit with proper paperwork and hours. Intern is responsible for gathering the required materials to receive college credit
• Summer internship will take place from May 28-August 2, 2024.
• Interns will be expected to work 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Intern schedule is flexible, but availability during Zoo Camp is required. Zoo Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
• This internship is designed for current college students, however exceptions can be made. Please let us know if you are interested but not a current college student.

Acceptable Majors:

• Photography, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Art and other relevant majors preferred.
• Other majors accepted with portfolio of previous photography experience.

Schedule: Flexible

Department: Guest Services (Treetop Toys gift shop, food and beverage operations, rentals, events, admissions and custodial)

Job Duties

-Make guests feel welcome by creating outstanding experiences they will remember. Therefore, being proactive and able to provide superior guest service is a must.

-Cheerfully welcome every guest to the Zoo

-Engage with guests by thoughtfully answering questions

-Ensure prompt, efficient, and friendly service at all times

-Represent the tradition of Lincoln Children’s Zoo

-Meet membership and sales goals

-Maintain cleanliness and appearance of Zoo

-Perform daily set-up, preparation, and clean-up of front entrance area

-Perform cashiering duties

-Other duties as assigned

Benefits:

-30% Discount in Treetop Toys Gift Shop

-50% Discount at Safari Cafe

-A free membership for yourself

-A limited quantity of free admission, train and pony ride tickets to share with your friends and family

-Free or discounted tickets & treat bags to events such as Boo at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, and more.

Must be authorized to work in teh US.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

Work is done both inside and outside, and in all weather conditions. Work can be highly physical. Daily work includes preparing food, cleaning, gift shop sales and merchandise organizing/restocking, and most importantly, proactively interacting with guests. Must be able to lift heavy loads sometimes weighing more than 50 pounds.

About Lincoln Children's Zoo

The Zoo was established 52 years ago in 1965. Rated among the nation's best zoos for children by Parent Magazine, the Zoo is home to over 400 different animals and 40 endangered animals and is the third most attended arts & cultural attraction in Nebraska. The Zoo has been featured on NBC Today, Time Magazine, ABC News, USA Today, Buzzfeed, CNN and National Geographic. The Zoo continues to grow each year with more than 240,000 in attendance in 2017 and is currently undergoing a major expansion by adding giraffes, tigers, spider monkeys in a 10-acre addition. Lincoln Children’s Zoo Core Values We are there for each other. We generate enthusiasm. We are humble. We go above and beyond.

Prepare a variety of food for snacks, lunch, and rentals.

Open and close cafés including but not limited to assembly and cleaning of machines, cleaning area, taking out garbage, checking dates of product, communicating any needs to manager on duty, washing dishes, preparing and throwing away product when necessary.

Complete all Food and Safety requirements.

As a team, we are serious about using our Core Values to guide our actions:

1. We are there for each other.

2. We generate enthusiasm.

3. We are humble.

4. We go above and beyond.

Position Summary: As a member of the Guest Experience Team, you will represent the Zoo while providing outstanding experiences Guests will remember for a lifetime. A cheerful and outgoing attitude is required. Providing a happy welcome, a meaningful goodbye, and a commitment to providing an engaging and helpful experience in-between are our non-negotiables. The ideal candidate must have exceptional guest service skills and a team-focused, collaborative approach.

The Guest Experience Clean Team position is a benefitted, year-round position with weekend, holiday, and evening work. Schedule will vary based on business need and availability. Some shifts will be during normal business hours, some will adjust for evening or morning shifts. The ideal candidate must have exceptional guest service skills, excel in details, and exude a team-focused coach approach.

Essential Job Functions:

• Cheerfully welcome, engage, and assist all Zoo Guests. An outgoing attitude is required.
• Ensure prompt, efficient, and friendly service to both internal and external Guests.
• Ensure Zoo grounds and guest facilities are kept clean and in well-maintained order.
• Ability to see opportunities for improvement in processes and in facilities.
• Model a positive attitude and promote emotional IQ- solution focused approach.
• Communicate directly with staff and managers regarding daily challenges, concerns, or challenges.
• Provide meaningful and effective feedback regarding any performance challenges directly to peers, pushing communication upward to management when challenges arise.
• Operate as the main go-to member of the Clean Team, providing training and coaching for new team members.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of Zoo grounds, address cleanliness or equipment maintenance issues with proper team members.
• Assist with coaching in daily best practices-providing initial feedback for execution of best practices.
• Perform daily schedule, task, and supply preparation for Clean Team.
• Assist volunteer groups with Clean Team duties.
• Assist with event or rental setup and teardown.
• Assist with par level management, inventory purchase orders and deliveries.
• Oversee weekly, monthly and yearly special tasks schedule.
• Assist in organizing, execution, delegation and follow-through of daily and weekly tasks and checklists.
• Assist with staff recognition and incentive programs.
• Participate on the first-aid team.
• Possible opportunities to participate on staff events team or safety committee(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Talents:

• Consistency – Ability to provide the same level of energy and focus every day. Treat all team members and guests equally.
• Communication- Positively and proactively provide feedback to team, managers, and directors. Follow-through on communication is a must.
• Accountability – Holding yourself and others to the same high standard. Coach approach for success. Look for answers vs waiting for direction. Openness to learn.
• Positive attitude – Always coming to work with a smile. Promote that same approach with the Team.
• Ability to keep calm under pressure and be flexible in times of heavy guest traffic or competing priorities.
• Proactive – Planning ahead and looking for opportunities to elevate our service and team.
• Ability to collaborate and work within a team environment.

Qualifications:

• One to two years proven success working with Guests in a Team-focused setting.
• Custodial experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A positive and outgoing attitude.
• Proactive and solution focused approach to daily work
• Must be able to work weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

• This position must be able to regularly sit, bend, reach and stand for periods of time and move significantly throughout the workday. Lifting up to 50# is a frequent occurrence.

Working Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, icy, or muddy conditions. Must be able to work some nights and weekends.

Essential Job Functions:

• Works with Education Coordinator to manage zoo instructors daily schedules.
• Ensures all children are checked in and out of camp according to procedure and communicates with instructors and Education Coordinator who is picked up or dropped off late/early.
• Know the resources and curriculum available for programming including, but not limited to equipment, animal artifacts, exhibits, staff, and other curriculum resources.
• Helps Education Coordinator develop curriculum for each camp that aligns to the weeks theme.
• Report successes and suggestions after each program, helps mediate conflict and provide supervision for youth camp participants.
• Gathers all supplies and materials needed for daily activities and informs Education coordinators of needed items.
• Respond to the needs of campers throughout the day.
• Communicates daily with Education Coordinator and Zoo Crew Manager about youth volunteers working in assigned camps and gives input on Zoo Crew evaluation.
• Work directly with children.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers.
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences.
• Deliver STEM-filled, educational programs to summer campers.
• Introduce program participants to a variety of species.
• Represent the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Serve as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
• Communicate with families before and after camp.

Hours:

• This position will be seasonal full time Saturday-Wednesday
• 8am-5pm Sun-Tues
• 11am-8pm Wednesday

The Camp Instructor assists the Zoo’s education department by enthusiastically delivering hands-on, educational programming to children four (4) to twelve (12) years old. This position is responsible for planning and delivering high quality curriculum that aligns with the theme and the goal of the camp, ensures the safety of all campers in their care, and supports the mission of the Zoo.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work directly with children.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of campers.
• Actively contribute to positive guest experiences.
• Deliver STEM-filled, educational programs to summer campers.
• Develop curriculum for each camp.
• Introduce program participants to a variety of species.
• Represent the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Serve as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
• Communicate with families before and after camp.
• All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Talents and Qualifications:

• Experience facilitating or teaching youth in an education setting or related experience preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and with creativity.
• Enthusiasm for nature and wildlife.
• Superior organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to supervise children.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions.
• This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, hot, or muddy conditions.
• Must be able to work some nights and weekends.

As a team, we are serious about using our Core Values to guide our actions:

1. We are there for each other.

2. We generate enthusiasm.

3. We are humble.

4. We go above and beyond.

Position Summary: The Executive Assistant assists the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) schedule meetings and travel. This position will also assist with administrative organization and project preparation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with general clerical support for the department and organization as assigned by the CEO and COO, including correspondence, scheduling and creating presentations.
• Support the CEO and COO in all administrative functions including calendar management, inbox management, travel arrangements, travel coordination, and business-related initiatives.
• Manage highly sensitive communications while maintaining confidentiality of all corporate financial and business information.
• Manage day-to-day administration, coordination, and meeting logistics.
• Perform other personal or executive related tasks and projects, as needed.
• Assist with budget tracking and check requests for accounts payable as assigned.
• Provide outstanding customer service to all individuals and entities who come in contact with the department and the organization.
• Handle all administrative details associated with the Board of Directors, to include preparing notices, agendas, minutes, etc.
• Maintain accurate minutes for meetings as needed, including the Board of Directors.
• All other duties as assigned.

Performance and Success Measures:

• Success in supporting the CEO and COO.
• Professionalism and quality of work, including interaction with guests and donors.
• Turnaround time for acknowledgement letters and other stewardship activities.
• Accuracy of meeting minutes, fundraising reports and database records.
• Success in maintaining a hard copy filing system.
• Success in coordinating assignments for special events.

Preferred Talents:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Acute attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of various teams and committees at all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, required.
• At least two years’ prior office administration experience, preferably in a fundraising/development office.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Valid driver’s license.