PEDZ Program Participant 2026
12 days ago
Chattanooga
Job Description:\n\nPROGRAM OVERVIEW The Pathway to Employment & Development in Zoos(PEDZ) Program is a creative and meaningful summer employment opportunity for highly motivated youth between 14-18 years of age. An applicant should want to gain work experience, learn more about education, animal care, and zoo operations. The Zoo is looking for responsible, enthusiastic students who can interact positively with guests. Students of all academic levels will be considered for the program. This information packet contains an overview of the program, program requirements, and application guide. Since 2002, our nationally-recognized PEDZ Program has provided employment and professional development opportunities to Chattanooga youth. This unique and engaging program allows students to become part-time Zoo employees. Participants engage in a variety of experiences that provide them with opportunities to serve their community, develop career skills, and broaden their understanding of the Zoo's mission. Chattanooga Zoo PEDZ participants work 20 hours per week through June and July. PEDZ positions are available in a variety of departments throughout the Zoo - Education, Guest Services, Maintenance, and Animal Care. As a PEDZ participant you will have the opportunity to participate in a Professional Development series to help prepare you for entry into the workforce. Before you get started, please read through the materials thoroughly. It is important that you decide whether or not this program is right for you. Once you are accepted, we will rely on your commitment for the full duration of the summer program. Most importantly we want you to enjoy this time at the Zoo and be able to make the most of the program! Requirements Successful applicants must:Be from fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) years of age at the start of the program.Be able to complete a mandatory interview, a drug screening, onboarding process and a PEDZ orientation.Be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.Be hardworking and serious about learning.Have the ability to follow written and verbal directions.Answer questions about potential barriers to employment.Be a Hamilton County resident at the start of the program.Submit a completed application online before 5pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. If accepted, you must:Make a commitment to work up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Sunday, during the months of June & July.Successfully pass a drug screening.Attend a mandatory PEDZ orientation on the first day of the program.Adhere to program rules and policies. Potential Barriers to Employment The PEDZ internship is funded by local businesses and grants to give youth, facing potential barriers to employment, the opportunity to learn practical skills in the workplace and varying fields. Your answers to the following questions will help us ensure our program's success in providing opportunity to these groups. Youth who qualify financially for free or reduced-price meals at school. Do you qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school? Youth who would be the first generation in their family to attend college. Would you be the first generation to attend college? Youth experiencing homelessness. Are you currently experiencing homelessness? Parenting teens. Are you currently parenting? Youth who are in or have aged out of foster care. Are you currently in or have you aged out of foster care? Youth who are justice-involved. Have you been involvement with the justice system? Youth identified as basic skills deficient (will require a follow-up assessment). Have you been identified as basic skills deficient (will require a follow-up assessment)? Households facing long term unemployment. Are you in a household facing long term unemployment? Single parent households with significant financial hardships Are you in a single family household with significant financial hardship? Currently living in public/subsidized housing Are you currently living in public/subsidized housing? Youth not enrolled in school Are you enrolled in school? Youth in Kinship care (living with non-parent guardian) Are you in Kinship care? Youth who have experienced domestic violence Have you experienced domestic violence? Youth with family incarceration. Have you experienced family incarceration?Position Descriptions When applying, participants are invited to select a Track aligning with their specific interests. To guide you in making an informed choice, please review the following track descriptions carefully. It's important to highlight that participants will be consistently evaluated for the potential to take on additional responsibilities within each track. Education Track The Education Track includes positions in the Chattanooga Zoo Summer Camp and throughout the Zoo as an Interpretive Guide. Great for participants interested in careers such as: Teaching, Biology, Conservation Education, Child Care, Customer Service, Sustainability, and Outdoor Recreation. Education Assistant - Interpretive Guide This is a public-facing role for the student wanting to improve their public speaking skills and learn more about careers interacting with people. Education assistants help guests by answering questions and sharing information and conservation messaging around the Zoo's exhibits. Summer Camp Assistant The summer camp assistant works in partnership and under the guidance of a camp educator, helping to guide a group of youth, ages 6-11. Students in this role will assist with instruction or preparation of educational activities, games, all camp programs and group safety. They will receive training on teaching and group supervision strategies, biology and science lessons, Zoo exhibits and the rules and regulations of the Zoo and programs such as Zoo Camp. Business Management Track The Business Management Track includes positions throughout the Zoo in retail, food service, attractions, birthday parties and events. Great for students interested in careers such as: Food Service Management, Retail Management, Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, and Event Planning. Guest Services Associate Assist with gift sales, customer service needs, merchandise orders, greet and assist guests with purchases, and promote benefits of memberships to Chattanooga Zoo, its programs and mission. Guest Services Associates will gain customer service experience and learn how to attend to customer needs and offer assistance proactively. Participants will rotate between the gift shop, food service stations, and retail carts. Party and Events Assistant Assist with the preparation and execution of Zoo Birthday Parties and Special Events. Events staff will have the opportunity to work with partner organizations and vendors, attend planning meetings, and receive limited animal handling training. Events staff will also assist with some administrative work such as making phone calls. Must be available to work weekends and evenings. Animal Care Track The Animal Care Track includes positions in the Chattanooga Zoo such as Nutrition Center, Petting Zoo, Animal Care areas, Vet Tech and Rehab. Great for participants interested in careers such as: Wildlife Rehabilitation, Zoo Keeper, Vet Tech, Animal Care, Wildlife & Fishery Science, Sustainability, Outdoor Recreation, and Animal Conservation. Keeper Aide As a Keeper Aide, you will be exposed to the natural history and husbandry of the animals under your care. You will assist the Petting Zoo in cleaning of the barn/yard and care of the animals, help Zookeepers with food preparation, and help assist guests in the petting zoo. Must be comfortable with animals and getting dirty for this position! Vet Tech/Rehab Aide As a Vet Tech/Rehab Aide, you will assist Zoo staff with the medical care of our animals and assist in the rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Must be comfortable with animals, medical equipment, observing procedures, and getting dirty for this position! Business Administration Track The Business Administration Track includes positions throughout the Zoo in marketing, finance and development. Great for students interested in careers such as: Nonprofit Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Communication, PR, Design, Fundraising, and Event Planning. Marketing Assistant Join our dynamic administration office and marketing team as a critical player in daily operations. As an Administration Assistant, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various administrative tasks like helping plan social media posts, taking photos, and other administrative duties in the office. Administrative Assistant This position provides hands-on experience in business operations, finance, and nonprofit development/fundraising. Responsibilities include filing, data entry, and assisting with fundraising and administrative tasks. Ideal for students interested in accounting, business, or nonprofit management, this role offers a chance to develop essential skills while contributing to the Zoo's success. Facilities and Exhibit Design The Facilities and Exhibit Design Track includes positions throughout the Zoo working alongside our facilities crew for exposure to construction, electrical, plumbing, and exhibit design. Great for students interested in trades such as: Plumbing, Electrical Engineering, Construction, Landscaping, and Engineering. Facilities Crewmember Assist the Maintenance/Landscaping department with the preparation, installation and maintenance of the Zoo's grounds. Crewmembers assist the grounds crew with upkeep of facilities, maintenance of exhibits, assist with landscaping needs and perform other related activities and projects. They will receive safety, tools, and equipment training as necessary. Should you have any inquiries about the designated tracks or find yourself uncertain about the most suitable option, please reach out to us at for personalized assistance. It's worth noting that while participants are indicating a preferred track, the interview process may lead to an assignment to a different track if it better aligns with the participant's individual needs and aspirations. Benefits We understand that there are many barriers to employment when serving youth employees. Our goal is to break down these barriers and make participation in this program easy and accessible for everyone. Please read the following benefits and discuss them with us and/or your guardians if you are concerned about employment barriers. Uniform Reimbursement Chattanooga Zoo requires that all employees adhere to a uniform policy which includes staff shirt (provided), closed toed shoes, and khaki pants or shorts (of reasonable length). To assist in this area, the PEDZ Program provides participants with an option for uniform reimbursement. Participants will need to fill out a provided reimbursement form along with an attached receipt for all items covered. Reimbursements will be provided through check or direct deposit. Meal Provision The Chattanooga Zoo will provide snacks and microwavable meal options available in the Education building. These snacks are available to participants at all times and participants are welcome and encouraged to enjoy them on Zoo grounds or take them home as needed. Additionally, all participants are provided with breakfast and lunch every day of their service. Please alert Chattanooga Zoo staff if you have any specific dietary needs. Care Closet Provision Additionally, Chattanooga Zoo will provide toiletries and other necessities to participants upon request. We keep a cabinet stocked with items including but not limited to: tampons and pads, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and fidget toys. If there are any items of need that we do not have on hand, participants are encouraged to request the provision of those items. In the past we have provided participants with swim attire, socks, and jackets upon request. The Zoo may also have additional resources such as sunscreen and first aid items in various locations. Transportation Chattanooga Zoo will provide bus passes upon request and may offer additional transportation support as needed. Participants seeking reimbursement for eligible transportation costs will need to submit a reimbursement form along with appropriate documentation of charges. Reimbursements will be issued by check or direct deposit. If participants need assistance with bus routes or the reimbursement process, please contact . Onboarding Assistance Chattanooga Zoo pledges to assist participants in every way possible with the onboarding process. Specific items such as form and identification collection can take some time, so we encourage participants to start the process early. If participants need additional assistance in completing any of the onboarding steps, including mandatory drug screening, please contact . What to Expect: A Summer in the PEDZ Program The PEDZ Program is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on work experience while learning about careers in conservation, education, business, and zoo operations. Unlike a traditional summer job, PEDZ provides specialized training, career exploration, and professional development designed to set you up for long-term success. Here's what you can expect during your summer with us:Orientation & Training Your summer will begin with a mandatory PEDZ On-Boarding (May 8, 2026, 5:30pm-7:30pm) and Orientation (May 29, 2026 12pm-3:30pm), where you'll meet fellow participants, learn about Zoo policies, and get an overview of your role. You'll also receive training specific to your assigned track, which may include customer service, animal care basics, educational programming, or event support.Work Schedule & Responsibilities PEDZ participants work up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Sunday, during June and July. Your daily tasks will vary depending on your track, but you can expect to:Engage with Zoo guests through education and customer service.Assist in caring for animals, maintaining exhibits, or supporting conservation projects.Work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.Complete assigned projects, such as animal enrichment activities, social media content, or event planning.Beyond a Traditional Summer Job PEDZ is designed to equip you with skills that go beyond entry-level work experience. Throughout the program, you'll develop leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills while gaining hands-on experience in fields like conservation, business operations, and STEM. This immersive experience will prepare you for future careers in a way that typical summer jobs do not.Professional Development, Field Trips & Workshops Every Friday during the 8-week program, you'll participate in field trips, workshops, and career development sessions designed to expand your knowledge and skill set. These experiences will expose you to industry professionals, hands-on learning opportunities, an
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