10-Apr-2024

2667BR

Regular Full Time

Job Function and Responsibilities

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing highly skilled craft duties throughout the Zoo in support of BZC's mission and operating goals. Ensure work being performed provides a safe environment for guests, employees and the animal collection. Ensure exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and support BZC's communication objectives. Coordinate or manage projects as assigned; coordinate assigned personnel and work group; to ensure maximum efficiency of resources and meeting of department goals.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

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. *Performs a variety of assigned duties without direct supervision, taking initiative to ensure work and services meet operating standards, client specifications, codes (if applicable), and work group goals. Duties include 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 specific to electric, water and gas systems. Conducts scheduled reviews and inspections to monitor quality of work performed by group members.
2. *Provides information to manager(s) needed for purchases and development of annual operating budget. Monitors individual department budget line items assigned, (e.g., materials) to assure expenses and purchases are within approved budget. Maintains familiarity with pertinent, approved budgetary provisions. Assists in controlling the budget by ensuring that allocated resources are properly utilized. Notifies manager of any potential budget issues or variances. Assists in the development of cost data for purchasing, budgeting, or other purposes. As assigned, investigates documents and recommends items and services for purchase after obtaining written cost comparisons. Submits requisitions to manager for approval of material purchases.
3. *Maintains shop and parts inventory at appropriate levels. Assesses environmental impact of all products and recommends selection. Assures sustainable behaviors and practices in support of conservation and resource use in assigned area. Implements sustainable operations in support of the environment. Supports the mission of the Zoo as a conservation organization and demonstrates zoo values.
4. *Supervises and coordinates work on a daily basis. Consults and cooperates with management in scheduling daily and special projects and provides accurate, written estimates of materials and labor in regard to work tasks and projects. Provides 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. Coordinates work as needed with other zoo departments. Provides 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. Maintains complete and accurate work records, including overtime and other data as required. Responsible for timely auditing and correction of daily work order reports to ensure accuracy.
5. *Cooperates with management and provides input into developing standard operating procedures and employee performance standards for the EGW work group, including documentation, communication, implementation, and follow-up. Communicates and enforces established Zoo and departmental operating policies, procedures, and standards.
6. *Organizes required work, materials, and equipment for assigned projects. Provides necessary training, direction, and orientation to staff. Recommends areas for further skills training and other aspects of staff performance management or development.
7. *Supervises the use of and maintains equipment in proper operating condition. Assumes shared responsibility with other Leads for maintaining, operating, and allocating equipment within Plant & Facilities. Instructs employees in and assures proper training and use of assigned equipment. Equipment requiring specialized training protocols is managed and assigned by P&F management.
8. *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 needing 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 the public by applying the appropriate use of signage, barricades, and other measures as appropriate.
9. *Leads, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff. Models Zoo PRIDE values and sets a professional example for 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; brings matters needing further attention to manager. Provides manager written input into performance evaluations of assigned staff, including documentation of exceptional performance and/or failure to meet performance standards or goals. Participates in interview process and provides input on candidate skills, qualifications, suitability, and final selection decision as requested.
10. *Promotes cooperation and involvement. Fosters a respectful, effective work environment among assigned work group, within the department. Effectively communicates information from managers to staff by conducting scheduled weekly staff meetings. Provides input from staff to managers. Holds additional meetings with staff, including other departments' staff or project teams, as needed, to assure adequate flow of information and completion of work. Interacts and facilitates communication with external clients, vendors and contractors. Monitors and documents the work and performance of vendors or contractors as appropriate, and notifies manager of problems or substandard performance.
11. *Supervises and performs appropriate tasks in accordance with the Zoo's Incident Response Program, Severe Weather plan, animal emergencies and or other emergencies. Leads and directs others to respond appropriately, cooperating with P&F Management and the Incident Response Team as directed.
12. Other related duties as required may include working in other work groups or departments to provide the best service to the internal customers as priorities of work load dictate.

Position Requirements and Specifications

The requirement for this position include the following:

• Minimum High School diploma or (GED) equivalent or combination of training and/or experience. Graduate of an accredited electrician, plumbing, and/or gas apprenticeship program or 10 years of experience at a journeyman level or an Associate's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of training and experience required (equivalency requirement satisfied with 2 years of experience to one year of training).
• Minimum three years of relevant supervisory experience including a track record of progressive responsibility; ability to supervise a team of staff.
• Must have knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, and purchasing.
• Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of construction-type materials, equipment, and tools. Ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility and required administrative and job duties.
• Ability to perform all traditional tasks related to field. Must possess skills in related fields; electric, water and gas systems/infrastructure.
• Ability to read, write and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility.
• Proactive, persistent and helpful. Team player.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate and direct teams.
• Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to speak English at a professional working proficiency.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident. Valid "D" Class Driver's License required. If Illinois resident, must possess an Illinois D Class license within 30 days of hire.

• Six years relevant supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge in reading blueprints and construction specifications is desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This Lead Craftsworker position will focus on Electric, Gas, and Water. This may include, but is not limited to installing, maintenance and repair of electrical control, wiring and lighting systems; troubleshooting basic electrical, gas and plumbing issues; and gas meter calibration and repair. The hourly wage for this union position is $37.87

Schedule Details

This position is required to rotate weekend duty shift and week-long rotating cell phone duty assignments.

Job Location

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Zip Code

60513

Department

Facilities

Group

Plant & Facilities

Union Status

Union

Work Shift

Weekdays- some evenings/weekends- etc.