Note: Interested in working at the Akron Zoo? Apply below!
For some, the “golden years” are for slowing down and taking it easy. For others, it’s about trying new things and doing what makes you happy. At the Akron Zoo, we have a number of employees who are doing just that, and get to spend their days at a pretty cool place. I spoke with a few of those employees to get their take on what it’s like to work at the Akron Zoo.
David has worked for the zoo for 10 months in the food service department. He prepares and cooks the food in our Komodo Kingdom Café, he helps prepare for catering events, and he greets guests at the café cashier. David said his favorite thing about working at the zoo is the people, both coworkers and guests. He enjoys interacting with the guests and assisting them in any way he can.
I asked David what he has to say about the job, and he said, “I can’t say enough. It is the best job I have ever had! The staff are friendly, encouraging, accommodating, flexible in scheduling your work hours, and they look out for each other.” David’s favorite animals at the Akron Zoo are the penguins and red pandas.
Kathy has worked for the Akron Zoo for 4 years in the guest services department. Her duties include working the ticket counter and all the fun rides we have around the zoo. She said, “My 
favorite thing about working at the zoo is seeing the joy on kids’ faces, especially when they ride the carousel and feed the goats. Everyone is happy when they’re at the zoo, which make my job very fulfilling.” Kathy’s favorite animals at the Akron Zoo are the lions.
Jeff has been working at the Akron Zoo for 5 ½ years! He works in the food service department where he prepares and cooks the food in Komodo Kingdom Café, as well as greets and serves guests at the cash register. His favorite thing about working at the zoo is getting to work with the younger employees, and passing on his knowledge and experience to them.
I asked Jeff about his advice to those in his generation who may be looking for a seasonal job at the zoo. He said, “It’s great because there are so many different positions. We have something for everybody that can really speak to your likes and passions.” Jeff’s favorite animals at the Akron Zoo are the grizzly bears.
Are you looking for a fun, rewarding job? The Akron Zoo is hiring seasonal positions within the Guest Services department (food service) for the 2023 busy season. Seasonal employment runs April 1 through Dec. 31.
Seasonal staff receive discounts and the chance to make a real-world difference. Team members earn $12 an hour.
You must be 16 years or older for guest services positions. Qualified candidates must have at least three days of availability each week, with a minimum of one weekend day of availability. The Akron Zoo is an EOE and a drug-free workplace.
If interested in a seasonal position in guest experiences, please complete the pre-screening survey below to be considered for an interview. Only completed questionnaires will be reviewed and only qualified applicants will be contacted. Completing this questionnaire does not guarantee an interview nor employment with the Akron Zoo.
Written by Doug Miller. Published Mar. 10, 2023.