Design - Craftsworker

Join the PRIDE!

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by supporting extraordinary guest experiences at BZC through the production and maintenance of signage systems throughout the park. Fabricates, installs, and maintains signage and other exhibit elements and performs other Craftsmen duties in support of the mission and vision of BZC.

This is a union fulltime position. The hourly rate for this position is $32.00/hour. Our Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the union, fulltime employee section): Benefits Table You may also copy and past this link in your browser for ease of viewing:
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.

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:

• Working with the staff Designers create, build, and install environmental signage elements using power equipment, paint, and other (sometimes hazardous) materials. Maintain a safe environment for staff, animals, and guests. Follow established department procedures.
• Performs routine tasks including but not limited to:

1. Delivering and collecting temporary signs
2. Performing preventative maintenance, cut requests, installation of routine signage,
3. Responding promptly to special repairs and emergency signage
4. Reporting problems, needed adjustments, or repairs to Lead Craftsworker and the Production Manager regarding guest safety, park presentation, and guest experience
5. Coordinating work as needed with other zoo departments especially when installing or removing components within an exhibit.
6. Clean signage throughout the park as needed.
7. Other Crafts duties as assigned.

• Assist staff Designers in developing detailed specifications for signage to assure signage is durable and practical to fabricate and maintain. Suggest materials and solve technical problems.
• Under the supervision of the Lead Craftsworker, effectively coordinate and communicate progression all job assignments. Share knowledge and new finding on materials and techniques. Maintain clean and organized shop facility and storage areas. Make suggestions to increase efficiencies and improve workflow as appropriate.

Other related duties as assigned.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTSAND SPECIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Graduate of an accredited, relevant trade school program, apprenticeship program, or two years’ experience at a journeyman level, or two years equivalent of training and experience required.
• Three years relevant, comparable experience including a track record of progressive responsibility.
• Team player, proactive, persistent and helpful.
• Ability to make sound judgments, take initiative, and demonstrate responsibility related to the work performed.
• Sound judgment.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, communications, and time management skills.
• Knowledge of power equipment, materials, and methods used by fabricators.
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural competency; 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 an Illinois resident, 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 for out-of-state residents

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post high school training and/or college course work in Fine Arts, Sculpture, Graphic Design, or related area desirable.
• Experience or knowledge of signage and interactive construction 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. Much of the work performed is done in cooperation with a variety of staff, teams, and work groups. Specific assignments are diverse and varied. Some of the responsibilities are routine and daily tasks must be completed even during periods of heavy workload and strict deadlines. Incumbent is expected to perform skilled and semi-skilled work with moderate direction and to assure the work is performed safely and to expectations and standards. Incumbent is expected to gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, vision, and values, the organization, and the layout of the park, as well as BZC and departmental operating goals, policies, procedures, and systems. Position requires periodic evenings, work on weekends, and/or holidays as needed. The nature of the work produced by the Design Department requires flexibility, dependability, and a cooperative, results-oriented individual that can work out solutions in response to work requests. Because BZC is an organization with multiple, rapidly changing priorities, the incumbent must be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable in a dynamic organization and working in an environment that is mission and vision driven and embrace BZC’s core values of people, results, innovation, diversity, and enthusiasm. Incumbent may assist and inform the public as needed.

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 174.

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.

Benefits information:
www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

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:
Years of Service

New hire-5 years
5 years
10 years
15 years

Vacation

• 2 weeks (80 hours)
• 3 weeks (120 hours)
• 4 weeks (160 hours)
• 5 weeks (200 hours)

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.
1 New Year’s Day 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 3 President’s Day 4 Memorial Day 5 Juneteenth
6 Independence Day 7 Labor Day 8 Veteran’s Day 9 Thanksgiving Day 10 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.

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
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.

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.

Salary : $1,000