Marine Mammals-Life Support - Craftsworker

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

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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:

1. 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.
2. Advises staff of resource needs. Evaluates schedule and communicates pertinent information timely to all affected parties.
3. 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.

1. Routinely inspects functional, structural and aesthetic systems in exhibits and facilities as assigned. Troubleshoots, makes repairs and performs equipment maintenance as assigned.
2. Performs crafts work to specified quality standards.
3. Advises appropriate supervisor/manager of material needs in a timely manner.
4. 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).

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.

Vacation: Vacation is earned based on the following schedule:

Personal Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Advance scheduling is required when foreseeable. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Any employee with 20 years of service or more receives one additional personal day each year.

Sick Time: Sick time accrues at a rate equivalent to 10 sick days per year. Any employee who does not use sick time during the calendar year is credited with two (2) additional sick days that year. Accumulation of sick time is unlimited.

Holidays: Union employees are eligible for 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Medical Insurance: BZC pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee's date of separation. Employees can also cover their spouse and child(ren) under age 27.

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.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term disability benefits are provided through the Teamsters union, for up to 26 weeks, if you are unable to work. Long-Term disability benefits are provided through Brookfield Zoo Chicago for up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Voluntary Benefits:

- Group Accident Insurance

- Group Critical Illness Insurance

- Identity Theft Protection

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.

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

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

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.