Seasonal Job Fairs At Turtle Back Zoo, South Mountain Rec. Complex

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A series of seasonal job fairs will be taking place in 2024 for open positions at the Turtle Back Zoo and South Mountain Recreational Complex.

According to a news release from the Essex County Park System, the positions include cashier, train driver, supervisors, paddle boats, mini golf safari, Treetop Adventure course, housekeeping/maintenance, guest experience keeper (butterfly tent, pony rides, aviary, farm), camp counselor and horticulture.

Applicants must be able to work outdoors for periods of time. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and successfully pass a criminal background check. Learn more or apply online here.

Three job fairs will be taking place at the zoo, which is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange:

• January 28 from 11 am to 2 pm
• February 17 from 9 am to noon
• March 16 from 11 am to 2 pm

Interest in the Turtle Back Zoo surged to record levels in 2023, with the zoo reaching several high-water marks, Essex County officials say.

The county-run zoo, which is located in West Orange, hit an attendance of 979,056 visitors last year: an all-time record. The 2023 total surpassed the previous record of 907,522 that was set in 2017.

Attendance totals at the zoo have been steadily rising over the past 14 years. In 2010, the zoo reached the 500,000 milestone. It reached the 600,000 mark in 2013, and topped 700,000 in 2015.

• See Related: Attendance Hits Record High At Turtle Back Zoo (See How Many Visitors)

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