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      Brookfield Zoo Chicago

      Engaged Employer

      Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

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      3.6

      59% would recommend to a friend

      (135 total reviews)
      avatar

      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

      Reviews by job title

      135 reviews
      1.0
      Jun 3, 2022

      Better to be a guest than an employee

      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Animals (at least the ones that are still at the zoo)

      Cons

      Terrible executive “leadership” (bosses not leaders) SVP of HR protects management at any cost Long hours No support - staff cuts and no help Expect more with less resources Burn out is real The park looks rough - tearing out the landscaping to…save money by cutting staff, maybe? Executives get rewarded with compensation while the staff goes years to receive a 2% raise - check out the 990 public information records Robots over animals Diversity - what diversity - maybe hair color? The culture is one of fear - punishing people who voice their thoughts or opinions It should be the best place to work and instead it is extremely stressful and your career will be crushed by insecure bosses A giant disappointment like the creepy weird lounging metal gorilla that greets guests at the north gate

      2.0
      Oct 7, 2016

      Executive Assistant

      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      The animals and coworkers. We received free passes for family and friends.

      Cons

      Outdated systems, favoritism towards certain employees, horrible working environment - everyone was on the edge not sure what mood our boss would be in that day. It starts at the top with the CEO and goes all the way through his direct reports. If he doesn't like you, you will be gone. I worked the hardest I have ever worked before and received an unfair wage. We had to work nights and weekends and didn't get any type of compensation - not even a few hours off. They have a no cellphone policy - this means you are not allowed to use your cellphone at all, not even have it on your desk.

      5.0
      Aug 12, 2015

      Excellence in Conservation

      Guest service representative
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      I love the people in my department. The benefits for full time staff are excellent. You can't beat working in a beautiful setting. The mission is outstanding and it's clear that all staff play a role in connecting people with wildlife and nature. As far as my department is concerned, staff are encouraged to think outside the box and co-workers are supportive and helpful. I have never worked anywhere where I have felt as comfortable in my own skin as I feel at the zoo. I love my job and to this day I don't say "I'm heading to work now" but say "I'm going to the zoo now!" The zoo is my happy place and I'm proud to be a part of CZS.

      Cons

      Front line staff leave much to be desired as far as good customer service goes. Departments can be competitive amongst each other and not in a supportive or positive way. Everybody has their own agenda and politics, but in my experience that is everywhere. The HR department is awful. Every year the zoo needs to hire hundreds of seasonal staff and you would think they would have it down to a science but instead departments and teams are left short-handed year after year because the hiring process can take months. MONTHS.

      Viewing 1 - 3 of 135 Reviews
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      ReviewsBrookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

      Glassdoor has 151 Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews submitted anonymously by Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Brookfield Zoo Chicago is right for you.