Carpenters - Lead Craftsworker

This is a full-time union position, with a starting pay rate of $39.00 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.

* The Lead Craftsworker is expected to perform a variety of duties, which include but are not limited to the following. Specific assignments may vary depending upon the specific nature of work performed and/or specific duties assigned:

1. *Perform a variety of assigned duties without direct supervision, ensuring work and services meet operating standards, client specifications, codes (if applicable), and work group goals. This includes routine and non-routine tasks including, but not limited to: those associated with preventative maintenance, special repair projects, renovations, capital construction, events, emergency/safety projects or tasks. Conduct scheduled reviews and inspections to monitor quality. Provide information to manager(s) needed for purchases and development of annual operating budget. Monitor individual department budget line items as assigned, e.g., materials, to assure expenses and purchases are within allotted budget. Maintain familiarity with pertinent, approved budgetary provisions. Assist in controlling the budget by ensuring that allocated resources are properly utilized. Notify manager of any potential budget issues or variances. Assist in the development of cost data for purchasing, budgeting, or other purposes. Investigate, as assigned, document, and recommend items and services for purchase after obtaining written cost comparisons. Submit requisitions to manager for approval of material purchases. Maintain inventory at appropriate levels. Assess environmental impact of all products and recommends selection. Assure sustainable behaviors and practices in support of conservation and resource use in assigned area. Implement sustainable operations in support of the environment. Support the mission of BZC as a conservation organization and demonstrates BZC values.
2. *Supervise and coordinate work on a daily basis. Consult and cooperate with management in scheduling daily and special projects and provide accurate, written estimates of materials and labor in regard to work tasks and projects. Provide input and suggestions with respect to work assignments, scheduling, and prioritization. Responsible for daily work allocation for assigned crew, adjusting as necessary to meet changing circumstances. Coordinate work as needed with other departments. Provide frequent updates to managers and staff on work in progress and project status reports to promote smooth operations, resolve issues, and avoid inefficiencies or conflicts. Maintain complete and accurate work records, including overtime and other data as required. Responsible for timely auditing and correcting of daily time allocation reports as needed to insure accuracy.
3. *Cooperate with management and provide input into developing standard operating procedures and employee performance standards for individual work group including documentation, communication, implementation, and follow-up. Communicate and enforce established BZC policies and procedures and departmental operating standards.
4. *Organize required work, materials, and equipment for assigned projects. Provide necessary training, direction, and orientation to staff. Recommend areas for further skills training and other aspects of staff performance management or development.
5. *Supervises the use of and maintain equipment in proper operating condition. Assumes shared responsibility with other Lead Craftsworker(s) for maintaining, operating, and allocating equipment. Instructs employees in and assures the proper use of assigned equipment.
6. *Maintains a safe environment for workers, animals, and guests. Performs daily inspections of assigned areas throughout park, including identifying problems and correcting substandard issues regarding public and staff safety, animal welfare, park presentation and guest experience. Determines and prioritizes urgent and necessary repairs, unfinished tasks, and other noted problems or items requiring attention as necessary to adequately maintain assigned area(s) or project(s). Monitors established safety practices and assures adherence to standard safety procedures, including the use of safety equipment. Maintains safety for guests, staff, animals, and BZC assets by applying the appropriate use of signage, barricades, and other measures as appropriate.
7. *Leads, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff. Models BZC values and sets a professional example for all staff. Trains and orients new hires including seasonal staff. Provides regular feedback to staff on performance. Identifies and, when possible, resolves issues of conflict with assigned staff; escalates matters needing further attention to manager. Provides manager written feedback into performance evaluations of assigned staff, including documentation of exceptional performance and/or failure to meet performance standards, goals, or expectations. Participates in interview process and provide feedback on candidate skills, qualifications, suitability, and final selection decision as requested.
8. *Promote cooperation and involvement. Foster a respectful and effective work environment among assigned work group and within the department. Effectively communicate information from managers to staff by conducting scheduled weekly staff meetings. Provide feedback from staff to managers. Hold additional meetings with staff, including other departments' staff or project teams as needed to assure adequate flow of information and completion of work. Interact and facilitate communication with external clients, vendors, and contractors. Monitor and document the work and performance of vendors or contractors as appropriate and notify manager of problems or substandard performance.
9. *Supervise and perform appropriate tasks in accordance with BZC's Incident Response Program, Severe Weather plan, animal emergencies, and or other emergencies. Lead and direct others to respond appropriately, and cooperate with coordinators.
10. *Willingly inform and assist the public. Maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to provide information to the public and answer questions as necessary. Actively assist to create a welcoming environment for BZC guests. Proactively attend to guest needs, seeking to provide the best experience for each guest. Interact effectively with BZC guests, including formal and informal tours, information sessions, and enriching activities. Minimize disruption to public experience in performance of work.
11. Other related duties as required, may include working in other work groups or departments as priorities of work load dictate.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required or combination of training and/or experience. Graduate of an accredited carpenter apprenticeship program, two years of relevant experience at a journeyman level, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Eight years relevant experience required including a track record of progressive responsibility and ability to work independently.
• Minimum two-year relevant supervisory experience required.
• Must have knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, and purchasing.
• Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of construction-type materials, equipment, and tools. Requires knowledge of carpentry and facility construction relating to specific work group. Understanding and skill in the construction of scaffolding.
• Ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility and required administrative and job duties.
• Must be familiar with relevant codes and regulations related to field.
• Requires a strong aesthetic sense, ability to visualize and plan projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate in 2D and 3D through sketches and drawings required.
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate and direct teams required.
• Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three to five years relevant supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge in reading blueprints and construction specifications and managing projects is desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Lead Craftsworker position is a hands-on technical and supervisory position that requires a wide range of knowledge, experience, and skill in working with traditional and specialized fabrication, materials and equipment, as well as administration and supervision of assigned union staff. The Lead Craftsworker position requires a flexible, dependable, motivated, self-starting, and results-oriented individual who is able to effectively oversee and motivate staff and foster a positive work environment. Incumbent must be able to effectively handle emergent issues and deal with all levels of staff in a tactful and professional manner. Incumbent ensures the work being performed is done safely and provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection, ensures exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and supports BZC's goals and objectives, coordinates or manages projects as assigned and coordinates assigned personnel and work group(s) to assure maximum efficiency of resources and that departmental goals are attained. Incumbent is expected to gain an understanding of BZC's mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and to incorporate these into daily work performance. Must be available for consultation in emergency and other unanticipated situations outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

This position may require you to undergo and pass a physical examination at BZC's expense to determine your ability to perform the essential functions of the position. This may also include vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such testing or procedures deemed reasonably necessary.

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 162.

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.