Carpenters - Craftsworker

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

About The Position

The Craftsworker Carpenter contributes to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s success by performing skilled and semi-skilled craftsworker duties throughout the park under direct guidance. The role helps maintain a safe, functional, and well-maintained environment for guests, staff, and the animal collection, while supporting the zoo’s mission, operating goals, and exceptional guest experience. This full-time, hourly union position combines traditional carpentry with creative problem-solving and specialty construction. Work varies according to work orders, departmental requests, routine maintenance, and capital improvements. Projects may include repairing roofs, fences, doors, windows, and ADA access systems; constructing animal-exhibit safety barriers; restoring wood structures; maintaining specialized enclosure equipment; and creating custom exhibit elements or other one-of-a-kind solutions. The position is grade U440 and pays $34.00 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or educational equivalent, such as a GED.
Graduate of an accredited Carpenter apprenticeship program and two years of journeyman-level experience, or an associate degree related to the field or four years of equivalent experience.
At least two years of construction experience in related fields.
Professional working proficiency in English.
Ability to work in a team-oriented manner, with good communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to read, write, and perform the math required for the field of responsibility.
Familiarity with codes related to the field.
Knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating routine duties, purchasing, and basic project management.
Ability to perform tasks related to the field.
Cultural competency and experience or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver’s license at time of hire. Illinois residents must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire; out-of-state residents must have a valid out-of-state driver’s license.
Proactive, persistent, and helpful approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience in custom woodworking, set design, or specialty fabrication.
Multilingual ability; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform skilled crafts duties throughout the park with guidance, ensuring work meets section standards, client specifications, applicable codes, standards, program goals, and aesthetic expectations.
Perform routine crafts tasks associated with preventive maintenance, special repairs, capital construction, special events, emergency and safety needs, unanticipated capital projects, and overhead.
Work cooperatively with managers, peers, and clients, and establish and maintain productive working relationships with clients.
Participate in routine maintenance and repair projects.
Perform assigned routine inspections of exhibits and facilities; advise the manager of needed repairs and client requests, and advise the Lead Craftsworker of resource needs.
Evaluate schedules and communicate relevant information to affected parties; help ensure projects minimize encroachment on guests and the animal collection.
Ensure work meets standards, specifications, and established quality standards.
Provide the Lead Craftsworker with resource information for budget development, ensure allocated resources are properly used, and report needed repairs and improvements to facilities and exhibits.
Perform duties associated with the section’s overhead operating program, including completing daily labor allocation sheets with guidance and attending assigned meetings.
Perform craftsworker duties for special events and communicate relevant information to managers and other concerned parties.
Carry out assigned tasks associated with the section’s functional programs, including inspecting functional, structural, and aesthetic systems in exhibits and facilities; performing assigned minor repairs and maintenance; following operating-program standards; meeting specified quality standards; and advising the manager of material needs.
Carry out tasks associated with standard operating procedures, including equipment and shop maintenance, safety, inventory and purchasing, facility surveys, and utility locations.
Participate in the section’s emergency response and animal welfare program as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.