Exploring Career Opportunities with Chattanooga Zoo's PEDZ Program
October 15, 2024
This blog is by Suzi Rivera, a member of the PEDZ program who has assisted in marketing, guest experience and much more
The Chattanooga Zoo’s PEDZ program is a youth employment initiative made for teens ages 14-22. This program places participants in various departments throughout the Zoo, allowing them to explore many career paths. By providing valuable job experience and essential life skills, the PEDZ Program aims to provide teens with the tools they need for a successful future.
The main goal of the PEDZ program is to empower youth with the skills necessary for all sorts of future careers. By providing hands-on experience, valuable mentorship, and vital training, the PEDZ program puts teens on a path to success. Participants leave the program not only with useful skills and knowledge but also with the confidence to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Former PEDZ participant Naomi Moss, currently interning at the Chattanooga Zoo, said “The PEDZ program is important to me since it was one of the first programs I was able to participate in immediately after graduating from high school. During my time in this program, I was able to connect with people who shared my interests”.
Rachel Perez D’Angelo, who recently left the PEDZ program to start training for the Navy, was asked how the program impacted her life inside and outside work. She responded by saying “The Zoo has provided me with a super friendly atmosphere that has made me more outgoing. I’ve figured out what careers I’m looking most forward to pursuing and hobbies as well due to having worked around in separate areas.”
Reflecting on her experience, Zharia Smith-Fair, currently a keeper apprentice, shared how the program has shaped her career path. “PEDZ has allowed me to continue to work for the Zoo in a permanent position. The Zoo offers a lot of different positions for different people’s interests. I am now a keeper apprentice. I’m a member of the animal care team, and I keep up with the animals behind the scenes while being given the opportunity to be up close and personal with animals and keeper staff while building trustful bonds.”
When the PEDZ mentor Lovelei Pulliam was asked if she would recommend the program to others she said, “I will always remember my first summer working at the Zoo, and I will always recommend this program to others. It has continued to evolve since the day it began into something that is truly impactful. I believe that the program is more than just a summer job at the Zoo. It is the chance to build connections with adults and people your age who can help you in more ways than one. The program will continue to evolve and I know that there will always be a multitude of teens in our community that can benefit from being a part of it.”
A standout feature of the PEDZ Program is its commitment to addressing common barriers to employment while providing comprehensive training and support. Participants receive free Uber transportation if needed, uniform reimbursement, and daily hot meals through the Zoo's Wild Burger restaurant, ensuring they can focus on gaining valuable experience without worrying about associated costs. In addition to earning $10 an hour in this paid employment program, teens engage in a variety of workshops and field trips focused on job readiness, financial literacy, animal welfare, and more. These activities offer a thorough understanding of what it takes to succeed in the workforce, all while fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Interested teens can apply to the PEDZ Program through Chattanooga Zoo, with the application process ensuring that participants are committed and ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity. To qualify, participants must meet two out of five demographic criteria and live in Hamilton County, ensuring the program reaches a diverse group of teens who can benefit the most. By targeting underrepresented youth, the PEDZ Program strives to make a meaningful impact on the community and provide opportunities for those who might otherwise face barriers to employment.
Applications will be available from March 1 to April 15, 2025, on our careers page. Selected participants will undergo an interview process to join the program.
The PEDZ Program is more than just an employment opportunity; it’s a stepping stone for teens to build a brighter future. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and comprehensive training, participants gain invaluable skills and the confidence to pursue careers in conservation and beyond. With the PEDZ Program, the Chattanooga Zoo opens doors to a world of possibilities, nurturing a new generation ready to make a positive impact on our community and our planet.
