Love Animals? Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo Is Hiring for the 2026 Season
Considering a new job in the new year?
If you like the idea of working around animals and spending your days somewhere that doesn’t feel like every other job, John Ball Zoo is now hiring staff for the 2026 season!
When Does John Ball Zoo Open in 2026?
Grand Rapids' John Ball Zoo is set to open Friday, March 20, 2026, which means hiring is already underway behind the scenes.
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What Kind of Jobs Are Available?
With opening day approaching, the zoo is filling a variety of seasonal roles across guest services, food, education, and operations. These are the people who keep things running smoothly, from greeting guests to helping educate visitors about wildlife and conservation.
Here’s a look at some of the open positions:
- Food and Beverage Team Member and Food Service Lead
- Guest Experiences Team Member
- Adventure Team Member
- Retail Team Member
- Face Painter
- Warehouse and Grounds Team Member
- Zoo Educator
- Rentals staff, including Venue Event Staff, Bartenders, Shuttle Drivers, Hospitality Interns
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Benefits of Working at the Zoo
Aside from the obvious perks of getting to work with animals and be outside, employees also get solid benefits during their season. Those include zoo membership while you're employed, free bus passes, free lunches, tickets to special events, flexible schedule, store discounts and more.
And if applying for jobs usually stresses you out, here's some good news: no cover letter, resume, or previous experience is required.
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How to Apply (and Meet the Hiring Team)
Instead of just filling out an application and waiting, John Ball Zoo is hosting several in-person hiring parties in February. These events give you a chance to meet hiring managers, learn about different departments, and interview on the spot. In some cases, people may even be hired the same day.
If you’re not ready to interview right away, you can still explore different roles and schedule something for later. There will also be refreshments and giveaways at the events.
Hiring events will take place in the ballroom above the Administration Building, located near the front entrance of the zoo.
Upcoming hiring events:
- Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, February 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 25, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out more about jobs at John Ball Zoo and apply in advance here.
