Join the PRIDE!
Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by performing highly skilled craft duties throughout the park with a focus on life support systems. Supports BZC’s mission and identified goals related to asset protection, financial sustainability, guest experience, and animal welfare. Ensures work performed provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection. Ensures exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and support BZC objectives.
This is a full-time union position, with a starting pay rate of $32.08 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the full-time union employees section): Benefits Table and/or details also provided below after the job description information. Or paste in your browser to view:
www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited apprenticeship plumbing, electrical or related program or two years’ relevant experience at a journeyperson level. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• NSPF Certified Pool Operator certificate at time of hire or within 6 months of hire.
• SCUBA Certification by nationally recognized agency at time of hire or within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Proactive, persistent, and helpful; team player.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with all codes related to field.
• Knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, purchasing, and project management.
• Ability to perform all traditional tasks related to field.
• Requires good mechanical, carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills including pumps and valves.
• Requires the ability to learn and apply information regarding water chemistry and maintenance of closed water systems. Ability to troubleshoot equipment and to make corrections to abnormal water result values.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, and/or similar.
• Ability to effectively handle emergent issues and deal with individuals in a tactful and professional manner.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree directly related to field or equivalent preferred.
• Waste Water license or Water Treatment Operator license desirable.
• Experience in a public aquarium, zoo, animal theme park, waste treatment facility or other related experience preferred.
• AALSO Life Support Operator Level I Certification desirable.
• Familiarity with utilization of computerized maintenance management system desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent ensures the work being performed is done safely, provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection, ensures life support systems are functional and in a well-maintained state, and supports BZC’s goals and objectives. Incumbent is expected to gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and to incorporate these into daily work performance. Position requires work on weekends, holidays and after normal hours when required. Required to carry a pager or cell phone and respond to emergencies as needed. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee’s ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law.
  If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 191.
  Benefits Summary
  We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits.
  Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.
  Union Full-Time Employees
  Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week.
  Time away from work: Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire. Unused vacation time does not carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Craftsworkers are expected to perform a variety of duties that may include any or all of the following. Specific assignments will vary depending upon the nature of work performed and/or specific duties assigned:

• Performs skilled crafts duties throughout the park with little or no supervision, ensuring services provided meet section standards, clients’ specifications, applicable codes and program goals and are aesthetically pleasing to guests. This includes operating, maintaining and troubleshooting several types of life support systems, including, but not limited to a dolphin/pinniped system, a salt-water fish building, bear exhibit and splash pads. Works cooperatively with peers and managers and establishes and maintains productive working relationships with clients.
• Participates in the execution of routine maintenance and repair projects:

a. As assigned, performs routine inspections and daily maintenance of BZC’s life support systems to ensure all systems, equipment and facilities are operated to the highest standards as it relates to water quality, animal health and facility maintenance. Advises supervisor of needed repairs and client requests.
b. Advises staff of resource needs. Evaluates schedule and communicates pertinent information timely to all affected parties.

c. Responsible for filter backwashing, daily water testing, pool and equipment checks and for making any required adjustments to pools and water chemistry. Maintains accurate recordkeeping logs of results. Maintains and makes repairs to valves, actuators, piping, ozone generators, compressors and other related equipment.

• Ensures all work performed meets set standards and specifications and complies with established quality control standards.
• Carries out craftsworker tasks associated with the section’s functional programs as assigned. Accurately fills out daily labor allocation sheets with orders. Attends and participates in meetings as assigned.

a. Routinely inspects functional, structural and aesthetic systems in exhibits and facilities as assigned. Troubleshoots, makes repairs and performs equipment maintenance as assigned.
b. Performs crafts work to specified quality standards.
c. Advises appropriate supervisor/manager of material needs in a timely manner.

d. Carries out tasks associated with the section’s standard operating procedures, which include, but are not limited to equipment and shop maintenance, safety, inventory and purchasing.

• Provides supervisor with information on resources needed for budget development including providing facility and exhibit survey data. Assists in controlling the section’s operating budget by ensuring allocated resources are properly and efficiently utilized.
• Performs various tasks associated with the Life Support Program. This includes performing skilled craft duties, providing estimates, and communicating all pertinent information to supervisor and other appropriate parties.
• Participates in the section’s emergency response and animal welfare program as assigned.

Other related duties as assigned or directed.

• Denotes Essential job function(s).