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 12 reviews)); "Good coworkers." ((in 9 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 7 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 4 reviews)); "Very talented and dedicated staff, strong mission, able to feel part of making a real difference in the world for animals and nature" ((in 3 reviews))

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

"Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 9 reviews)); "Low pay and no bonus perks" ((in 8 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 7 reviews)); "Upper Management seems to be a bit hypocritical in there actions." ((in 5 reviews)); "Have watched at least a few managers and several employees leave over the past few years due to these problems." ((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

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

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (135 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

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).

Reviews by job title

135 reviews

3.0

Oct 29, 2014

Not bad job while in college

Banquet server

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Worked in catered events department. Decent pay. Nice atmosphere. Good coworkers.

Cons

No advancement opportunity. Middle management was lazy. Long hours.

4.0

Oct 7, 2014

Worthwhile, but very political and cliquey

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible scheduling because offices are open 365. Good benefits. The Society has a great conservation focus and you know the work you are doing is meaningful.

Cons

Staff housing is horrible, many staff are in trailers. Others are in buildings with thirty cubes and personality conflicts.

3.0

Aug 26, 2014

Great company but not for the long haul

Park safety officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I worked for the zoo for many years and I still have friends that I made through the zoo. I always had great people to work with and caring management.

Cons

There was almost no room for personal growth or advancement. The pay was subpar for the amount of time I had worked there. I was sometimes treated as an inferior.

Viewing 127 - 129 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

Police Dept - Sergeant

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

NatureStart Programs - Coordinator, Play Programs