My name is Jackie Hillman, and I’m a custodian at the Akron Zoo. Okay, sure, most guests don’t think it’s the most glamorous job in the park, but custodial staff are an invaluable part of making the zoo a beautiful and safe part of our community!

I was first hired by the Akron Zoo as a seasonal custodian in 2013. The following year I was hired year round as part-time staff, and in 2016 I was promoted to full-time. I now spend 40 hours a week (sometimes more) taking care of the park, and you!

Can you see the animals when you visit the park? That is because our custodial team cleans the viewing glass regularly, so you can enjoy an up-close experience with animals from around the world! We also clean all other public areas throughout the day to ensure the spilled Dippin’ Dots doesn’t spoil your visit, or your shoes. We tidy surfaces, clean and vacuum the floors, and tend to trash collection and the “feeding” of our on-site composter, Big Hanna. We are even hard at work after the park is closed. Each morning and evening, custodial staff are readying the park for your next visit.

This past year has been unique in the custodial world to say the least. In 2020, not only did we keep up with our regular duties, but we had to make a lot of changes in order to reopen the park safely. One of our first steps was to increase the disinfection of common areas and high-touch points. We now make sure to disinfect the restrooms and all of our indoor spaces several times a day. Purell stations have also been made available throughout the park, and disinfecting wipes are available at the ticket counter and inside Komodo Kingdom for those who need them. We have also added Silver Defender tape to many of our high touch surfaces in our indoor spaces. This adhesive tape is touch activated, and kills many bacteria and viruses on contact, preventing germs from sticking around!

Despite the challenges of the last year, I love working at the Akron Zoo. I have always loved animals, and the fact that I get to work somewhere where I can visit animals every day is amazing. Additionally, I’ve always been an active person and I love that my job allows me to be active instead of constantly sitting behind a desk. A lot of my work is outside, and it’s nice to not be cooped up indoors all day. Not only that, but as I am caring for the park, I get to see all of our guests enjoying their zoo visit, and I love helping people find what they are looking for or answer any questions that they have.

So yes, being a custodian at the Akron Zoo is hard work, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and beautiful zoo environment, especially over the last year. And, if you ever see me in the park, please feel free to stop by, say hello, and ask me your animal questions! I hope to see you soon!