Does Brookfield Zoo Chicago pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.0 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This rating has improved by 6% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

59% of Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Brookfield Zoo Chicago 3.5 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.5 for culture and values and 2.8 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

Admissions Associate (10) , Guest Services (4) , Merchandise Associate (4) , Food Service Worker (3) , Park Safety Officer (3) , Seasonal Animal Care Specialist (3) , Banquet Server (2) , Cashier (2) , Customer Service Associate (2) , Director (2) , Food Service Associate (2) , Guest Service Representative (2) , Marketing (2) , Seasonal Zookeeper (2) , Zoo Keeper (2)

What are the pros of working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago according to real employee reviews?

"The people are work with are great and I am fairly compensated." ((in 14 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 6 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 4 reviews)); "FREE ADMISSION ." ((in 3 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago according to real employee reviews?

"Long hours" ((in 9 reviews)); "Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 9 reviews)); "Low pay." ((in 8 reviews)); "Have watched at least a few managers and several employees leave over the past few years due to these problems." ((in 4 reviews)); "3. Leadership is mainly one of two categories: either they are highly resistant and actively deterring change, OR they are so frustrated by no change, no resources, no support, they will eagerly point fingers at anyone." ((in 4 reviews))

What are employees saying about Brookfield Zoo Chicago layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Brookfield Zoo Chicago layoffs and their outlook for job security at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Brookfield Zoo Chicago locations?

Brookfield , Chicago , Berwyn , Lyons , Oak Lawn , Oak Park , Wheaton , Stickney

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

3.6

59% would recommend to a friend

(135 total reviews)

Dr. Michael Adkesson

35% approve of CEO

42% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.8

Diversity & inclusion

3.5

Culture & values

3.5

Work/Life balance

3.0

Compensation and benefits

2.9

Senior management

2.8

Career opportunities

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 135 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Brookfield Zoo Chicago employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

135 reviews

5.0

May 14, 2018

Great Job

Admissions associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

-good pay -you make a lot of friends -very flexible -when its calm you can do homework/read -free zoo tickets, you can get up to (6?) family/friends in with your badge, and you get into other places (Chicago museums) for free.

Cons

ok so the only real problem I had was the fact that the hours were never certain, you have a guaranteed 4hrs but this job is very dependent on the weather. and customers are so rude and can give you a headache. Many employees are really childish, don't get involved in their drama and you'll have fun (seriously!!!)

5.0

Jan 17, 2018

Excellent, supervisor, professional, fun

Summer camp counselor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Working at the zoo Working with kids and seeing animals Being apart of a community, and a team that’s positive

Cons

If the position was more full time year round. An opportunity to provide the same work during the summer as well as year round.

5.0

Oct 23, 2017

Great place

Customer service associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone is super nice. They were very accommodating and worked with my schedule. Great perks. Plus it's a zoo, you great to see animals all the time.

Cons

Its outside so the weather is sometimes an issue

Viewing 34 - 36 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Admissions - Associate (Seasonal)

Director, Learning & Development

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

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Great Job

Excellent, supervisor, professional, fun

Great place

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