Frequently Asked Questions

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Parents or guardians must enroll their teens in our services and attend an orientation session. The teen must also complete a resume using the TYS-provided template, attend all mandatory workshops, fulfill community service requirements, and actively participate in job coaching sessions.

Participants must be at least 15 years old. However, if a participant is precisely 15, they must obtain a work permit.

A work permit is an official document that allows your teen to work legally while ensuring they meet state labor law requirements. To obtain one, your teen typically must complete an application—often through their school—submit necessary documentation like proof of age, school enrollment, and parental consent, and sometimes provide a job offer.

A letter of intent for a teen to obtain a work permit is a formal document where the teen expresses interest in a job and provides essential details about the opportunity. It includes personal information, a description of the job responsibilities, and a clear statement of intent to comply with work permit regulations. This letter also highlights the teen’s relevant skills and is signed to validate the commitment. Schools or state labor departments often require it to verify that the teen has a valid job offer and meets the eligibility criteria for working.

Participants are paid biweekly via direct deposit, which requires a checking account. The hourly pay rate is $15.00.

Available positions include Retail Associate (Gift Shop) and Food Service Associate.

Indoor and outdoors

Available Friday through Sunday for shifts between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Participants will work from May 24th to September 1st. After school starts, the schedule will shift to Saturdays and Sundays only.

The SSA group provides a uniform shirt and hat. Participants must wear black bottoms and non-slip grip shoes. Joggers, leggings, yoga pants, and ripped jeans are not allowed.

TYS rents a passenger van, and participants will meet outside Building K at Elgin Community College. Please note that the building is closed on weekends.

Participants must follow all safety rules, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

Parents/guardians and participants must also sign a transportation agreement confirming their understanding and acceptance of all safety guidelines before transportation is provided.

Meeting times will be based on participants’ start times. This information will be provided once work schedules are finalized.

Return times will depend on the conclusion of participants’ work shifts and current traffic conditions. We will provide estimated return times once participants begin working; typically, travel times are around 45 minutes.

Brookfield Zoo does not offer lunch services. While participants receive a meal discount, they must join the regular customer queue, which can lead to delays during busy periods. Therefore, we recommend that participants bring their lunch.