Join the PRIDE!
Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
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 goals of providing extraordinary guest experiences and a sustainable future. Controls access at the gates and assists with protecting BZC assets.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
- * Supervise the daily activities of Seasonal Park Safety Officers (“PSO”), including making and shifting daily work assignments, coordinating staff workload, managing staff hours as directed by supervisor(s), training staff, and ensuring that proper procedures and policies are followed.
- * Perform all duties of a seasonal PSO which include, but are not limited to: Prior to park opening, verify that employees, vendors, visitors and contractors have authorization to enter the park against the Gate List, by identification or through other means. Assist night officers and night animal care specialists with communication needs and monitor persons as they enter the South Gate after hours, keeping an accurate log of returned keys, answering phone and radio calls and giving directions and assistance to employees, guests, visitors and contractors entering the park after hours.
- * 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, 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. Inform supervisor(s) of unusual situations or difficulties resolving minor problems and, in the case of major emergencies involving guests and/or animals, take appropriate action such as clearing exhibits, contacting appropriate staff in Public Safety, and following established emergency procedures.
- * Provide traffic direction and parking assistance to guests. 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 direction of supervisor(s). Assist with park clearing and the opening and closing of certain building(s) at prescribed times.
- * Observe staff and guest activities and park grounds to identify risk hazards and report immediately.
- * Assist manager(s) with special assignments as needed, requested or instructed. Know and abide by the rules and regulations, procedures and requirements contained in the current PSO manual.
- * 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.
- * Prepare and maintain records of equipment and uniforms issued to PSOs. Assist supervisor(s) in the tallying and maintenance of department records and of PSO training.
- * Relieve the dispatch desk as assigned. Promptly answer calls to the station and dispatch Police units accordingly. Maintain incident cards for responding units.
- Provides other related duties and assistance to Public Safety staff as assigned.
*Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
- Three months or more relevant paid public safety experience required; involving direct contact with a diverse audience, providing directions/assistance, traffic control, crowd control, etc., or other directly relevant experience.
- Requires a conscientious, responsible, and reliable individual.
- Ability to use a hand-held radio and emergency fire extinguisher.
- 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 diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.)preferred.
- 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 seasonal position requires a high level of customer service. Incumbent must learn BZC policies and department procedures and standards.
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.
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