The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium participated this summer in a program with the Columbus Urban League called Operation Brightside Teen II. This program, in collaboration with the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC) and their 2008 Summer Youth Employment Program offers kids a chance to gain valuable summer work experience and opportunities.

 

Operation Brightside Teen II is a 6 week summer employment program. The first week the participants go through training while the remaining five weeks in the program are on-the-job. Nine kids started to work on June 30th at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. These nine individuals worked in the Food & Beverage Department and some did so well they may stay and work for us now that the program is complete. This is the first year of participation for the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay and so far it has been a great one! The students woke up in the early morning hours to catch the COTA bus to the Zoo in order to start their shift at 9:00 am. When they arrived at the Zoo they were greeted with the smell of popcorn and cotton candy as the seasonal staff at the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay prepared for another day of sun and fun!

 

The partnership with the Urban League and COWIC has been mutually beneficial because not only has the program provided students with real world work experience and confidence, but the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay have gained hard-working students for the crazy summer season. “The kids have done a great job and I know sometimes it can be hard work”, said Jennifer Koslow, HR Coordinator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “We hope all of our seasonal staff leaves here with a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a busy and challenging yet fun setting” said Koslow.

 

Even though summer’s end will soon be here the Zoo will start hiring to fill seasonal positions again in November for Wildlights. If you are interested in working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or Zoombezi Bay as a seasonal you can call our jobline at 1-888-789-3490 or log on to our website at www.columbuszoo.org or www.zoombezibay.com.

 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and senior citizens 60+. Free for children younger than 2 and Columbus Zoo members. For additional information please visit www.columbuszoo.org. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With it’s more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.