Dickerson Park Zoo

The public and private partnership between Dickerson Park Zoo (DPZ) and Friends of the Zoo (FOZ) coexists well with the shared goal to save species. The collaboration between these two organizations makes it a great place to work. Under new leadership, DPZ and FOZ are creating opportunities for the community and generating new levels of excitement.

“As the new director of DPZ, I have the pleasure of working with two dedicated boards and maintaining an open line of communication between them — one being a non-profit and the other a municipal board. Each organization has a unique role within the zoo, but what truly allows DPZ to thrive is the shared mission and commitment to the overall facility. We also ensure that the staff of both organizations complement each other and make an effort to provide equitable benefits between the two. DPZ would not be the zoo it is today without the collaborative work and shared mission of FOZ and the park board. We have two organizations, but we are one zoo!” said Jackson Thompson, Director of Dickerson Park Zoo.

DPZ creates a culture of understanding, starting with the onboarding process, which consists of employees spending time with animal teams to learn what they do. This generates a respect for the time it takes when a team member asks for help. Joey Powell, PR and Marketing Director for DPZ, said, “I’ve never met people more dedicated to what they do than the zoo employees.”

DPZ and FOZ encourages zookeepers, directors and staff to attend conferences about continued animal care. This benefits the animals and creates a great guest experience. For example, Rico the alligator has a renovated exhibit with a year-round pool thanks to skills a keeper learned at Croc College. Continuing education plays into the overall mission of the well-being of animals and people.

FOZ board members also honor hard-working staff members with appreciation days and “thank you” gifts. “It’s a team effort,” said Allyson Tuckness, Friends of the Zoo Executive Director. “We are a family of humans and animals.” During the past snowstorm, when several zookeepers stayed to keep the animals warm and safe, the FOZ board had breakfast delivered and gave their families dinner gift certificates, knowing that families sacrifice when zookeepers commit to stay.

Jobs are posted online through the City of Springfield, and FOZ applications are on the website at dickersonparkzoo.org.