BASIC FUNCTION:

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing services to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals contributing to BZC’s goal of providing extraordinary guest experiences. Controls access at gates and assists with protecting BZC’s assets. This is an unarmed, public safety position. No PERC card required. Valid drivers license is required.
This is a seasonal non-union hourly position, grade GS002 with a pay rate of $16.60 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the non-union, seasonal employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.
Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days of the year including weekends and holidays. Typical work schedules include a 4-8 hour shift between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and as late as 10:30 p.m. for special events. Early morning availability a plus! If assigned to the employee/service entrance, shifts may start as early as 4:00 a.m. and end as late as 11:00 p.m. or later. A majority of the work is outdoors in all weather conditions and requires a lot of walking and standing.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively and calmly under pressure.
• Must be responsible and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Conscientious, reliable individual with good decision-making skills.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public.
• English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
• Ability to work with and around trained K9s.
• Must be able to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• 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:

• High School graduate or (GED) equivalent preferred.
• Ability to use a hand-held radio and emergency fire extinguisher.
• 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. This temporary position requires a high level of customer service. Incumbent must be able to learn BZC policies and departmental procedures and standards. Police K9s are housed and operate out of the Police Department building. These dogs are trained K9s that are approachable, friendly, and socially trained to work with staff and guests. As the dogs spend time in and around the Police building, shedding and dander are always present.
  PHYSICAL-MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.
  000069
  Seasonal Employees
  Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
  Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.
  Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)
  Advanced Inquiry Degree Program
  Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master’s degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.
  BZC University
  The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.
  Tuition Reimbursement
  Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.
  Access Credit Union
  Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.
  Blackhawk Work Perks Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.
  Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness
  Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.
  Discounted Day Care
  Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare® Learning Centers, Children’s Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
  Employee Discounts
  Employees may benefit from “Working Advantage,” an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.
  Enterprise-Rent-A-Car Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.
  Free Flu Vaccines Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.
  Free Admission and Parking
  The laminated pass entitles the employee to free parking and admission to the Zoo and paid attractions. The card also extends the same privileges to the employee’s immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, children, and parents).
  Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions
  The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC’s policy.
  Free Notary Public Service Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.
  Freebie Table
  Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a “Freebie” table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.
  Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.
  The Zoo has a “Little Free Library” book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.
  Zoo Day Camp Discount
  Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.
  Zoo Discounts
  Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.
  Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.
  The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
1. * Provide courteous, friendly assistance and directions to guests, maintaining the highest level of customer service while representing Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a professional manner.
2. * Observe activities of staff, guests and park grounds to identify risks or hazards. Report risk or hazards to appropriate staff in Public Safety immediately.
3. * Prior to park opening, verify that employees, vendors, visitors and contractors have authorization to enter the park by identification, the Gate List or through other means.
4. * Assist night officers and night keepers with communication needs while working night shift at the South Gate booth. Monitor and keep a log of persons as they enter the South Gate after hours. Keep an accurate log of keys and radios turned in at the South Gate booth. Answer calls and give directions and assistance to employees entering the park after hours.
5. * Maintain familiarity with the park and its attractions to enthusiastically and accurately relay information to guests. Follow and enforce all applicable BZC policies, rules, and department procedures, including but not limited to the “No Feeding of Animals” policy and preventing guests from harassing wildlife, ensuring the general safety of the guests and the animals, preventing guests from climbing on rockwork, over fences or barriers, and entering hazardous areas.
6. * Inform supervisor(s) of unusual situations or difficulties. Resolve minor problems and, in the case of major emergencies involving guests or animals, take appropriate action such as clearing exhibits, contacting appropriate staff in the Police Department, and following established emergency procedures.
7. * Provide traffic direction and parking assistance to guests.
8. * Provide general park information such as exhibit information, show times of special attractions, and directions and details about daily special activities or animal news. Assist guests with lost persons, guest transports, and lost and found. Inspect and maintain equipment, such as golf carts and portable radios under the directions of supervisor(s). Assist with park clearing and the opening and closing of certain building(s) at prescribed times.
9. * Assist supervisor(s) with special assignments as needed, requested or instructed, such as, tallying and maintenance of department records. Know and abide by the rules and regulations, procedures and requirements contained in the current PSO manual.
10. * Monitor and supervise crowded areas such as Great Bear Wilderness, Tropic World, and Seven Seas and perform line management as needed. Maintain good public and employee relations. Provide assistance and directions to guests and staff including effective resolution of complaints, escalating as appropriate.
11. * Relieve the dispatch desk as assigned. Promptly answer calls to the station and dispatch Police units accordingly. Maintain incident cards for responding units.

1. Other related duties as assigned.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)