Job/Volunteer
Job/Volunteer Opportunities

The Minnesota Zoo employs about 220 full-time, part-time, and intermittent staff. That number grows to between 270 and 300 with the addition of temporary staff during the spring and summer months.

The Minnesota Zoo employs people from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition to typical "zoo jobs" such as veterinary technicians, interpretive naturalists, zookeepers, zoologists, and veterinarians, the business end of the Zoo requires people with many different skills, from accountants and marketing staff, to carpenters and guest services staff.

The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency and its employees are public employees, with salary and benefits set by union contracts and compensation plans. The State of Minnesota also participates in E-Verify, find out more:

E-Verify notice Right to Work Poster
E-Verify notice SpanishSpanish Right to Work Poster

Over the course of a year, the Zoo receives over two thousand applications for employment. All of our positions are highly competitive with a majority of positions requiring related experience and education.

Although we have positions open from time to time during the year, our largest recruitment period begins in March and lasts through mid-May, when we begin filling our summer positions.

Our open positions are listed below and can change on a daily basis. Applying for our positions is easy. If you are interested in a position and feel you meet the qualifications listed, simply click on the link within the posting. That link will take you to the State of Minnesota’s resume database where applicants can submit resumes for positions open for all state agencies, including the Minnesota Zoo.

Zoo Employment Opportunities

Zoo Facilities Advisor
Application deadline: Friday, November 13, 2009.

The Minnesota Zoo has a temporary, full-time Zoo Facilities Advisor opening. 

This vacancy was previously posted in mid-October 2009. We are re-opening the posting for new candidates. If you applied for this job in October, you need not re-apply now.

This position will serve as project manager for construction projects. It will design and coordinate construction and related projects on the Minnesota Zoo property including buildings, animal and educational exhibits and structures, and redesign/remodeling projects. It will serve on Zoo planning and implementation teams, conducting needed research. It will coordinate/supervise project activities of contractors and zoo craftsmen.

It will coordinate professional and construction contracts from initial design to final completion of construction. This will include coordinating design, developing budget estimates, setting construction schedules, negotiating and awarding contracts, overseeing construction, and developing supplemental agreements.

Minimum qualifications:  Three (3) years experience as construction coordinator or construction project manager that includes:
- Reviewing and approving complex designs, preparing final project budget estimates, preparing final construction schedules,
- Developing or approving concepts, designs, plans, and specifications, preparing bid packages, awarding and negotiating contracts, drafting supplemental agreements

Directing construction and professional contractors, managing project budgets, monitoring and controlling construction schedules

Drafting experience sufficient to create preliminary drawings; and experience interpreting, reviewing, modifying and approving blueprints

Ability to lead and manage project teams, facilitating smooth interactions between operating requirements of the business, and the needs of the design and construction professionals

This position requires:
- Working knowledge of architecture, mechanicals, electrical, and structural design
- Working knowledge of skilled trades practices, materials, and construction methods
- Knowledge of state and local building code requirements
- Ability to manage/coordinate multiple construction projects in a setting that is open for daily operations to the public

Desired experience:  Training and experience with CAD
Experience in design and construction of exhibits
Experience in design and construction of animal habitats

Note:  Your resume must contain sufficient detail of past experience to determine qualifications based on the above criteria.  Selection of individuals for interviews will be based on an assessment of responses to areas listed above.  Only those applicants who most closely meet the qualifications will be considered.

Benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and apply for this position at www.state.mn.us/employment.htm

After creating a resume and filling out an application, search on job posting number 09MZG000090 to apply for this position. Application deadline is Friday, November 13, 2009.  Questions may be directed to: Eric Swensson at eswenss@mail.mnzoo.state.mn.us.

Summer Employment Opportunities

None at this time

Minnesota Zoo Foundation Employment Opportunities

SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN

Reports to: Special Events Coordinator
Status: Part-time/temporary/volunteer (can be used towards class credit)
Date: January 4 – April 31, 2010
Hours: 20 – 40 hours per week, schedule to be arranged
Posting Date:

JOB PURPOSE

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation Special Events Intern will assist the Special Events Coordinator with event planning, including clerical duties, data entry, auction solicitation, and fund raising on behalf of the Minnesota Zoo’s 22nd Annual Beastly Ball, “One Red Hot Night!” The Beastly Ball is one of the Twin Cities premier fundraising events, bringing together over 600 guests for an evening of dinner, dancing, auctions, and entertainment – all to conserve our wild places and wild lands.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Provide gala event support through general clerical work, data entry, auction item cataloging, online auction support, auction item solicitations, etc. as well as working at the 2010 Beastly Ball on Saturday, April 24.
  • Attend Beastly Ball committee meetings as needed.
  • Provide possible event support for other events taking place during the months of hire.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education.High school diploma required. Currently enrolled in or recently completed a bachelor degree with a major or related course work in business administration, marketing, or related field.

Experience. Prior experience (paid or volunteer) in event planning or office administration; experience in a non-profit, education or cultural environment a plus.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability.Self-motivated, organized, attention to detail, strong people skills, poised, excellent phone and communications skills, ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Computer aptitude required, with Microsoft Office experience preferred. Familiarity with Auction Tracker and Raiser’s Edge software helpful. A flexible team worker.  

Equipment Operated. Computers, printers, telephone, and other general office equipment.

To apply, please e-mail your resume, cover letter, and three references to megan.hard@mnzoo.org.