Love Animals? West Michigan Wild Animal Park Is Hiring for the 2026 Season

If your idea of a summer job includes fresh air, active days, and exotic animals just steps away, this is definitely worth checking out!

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Summer Jobs at Boulder Ridge

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is hiring seasonal staff for the 2026 season, offering a rare chance to get paid while working around animals like giraffes, penguins, sloths, big cats, camels, rhinos, and more.

The park spans nearly 100 acres in Alto and is home to hundreds of animals, making it a far cry from the typical summer job setting. The park also recently welcomed a baby pygmy hippo, one of the rarest animals you will find anywhere. She's already stealing hearts and on her way to becoming an internet sensation!

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Seasonal Roles Available

Several seasonal gigs are available, including park attendants, concessions, and gift shop and admissions roles. All of them focus on customer service and keeping guests’ experiences running smoothly, but each comes with its own day-to-day variety.

Park attendants take on one of the most hands-on roles in the park. Responsibilities can include assisting at animal feed stations, helping operate the children’s train ride, answering guest questions, and helping maintain the grounds.

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If food service is more your thing, concessions staff help keep guests fueled and happy. In this role, you'll handle food prep and service, running registers, and keeping concession and picnic areas clean and organized.

Gift shop and admissions staff are often the first point of contact for guests, selling tickets and merchandise, promoting daily activities, and helping manage crowds during busy times.

What to Know Before You Apply

Seasonal positions typically run from April through mid-October, with training beginning in March for those hired early. Both part-time and full-time schedules are available, and shifts are often scheduled around school hours. Weekend and holiday availability is required.

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For anyone looking to spend the summer outdoors, stay active, and work somewhere a little more memorable than the usual seasonal job, this could be a fun and unique opportunity! Find out more and apply here.