Facilities Staff

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

36d • $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for- profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS THIS PERSON CONTRIBUTES TO THE SUCCESS OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BY PERFORMING ROUTINE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS IN ORDER TO MEET OPERATING NEEDS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SAFETY, CLEANLINESS, BEAUTY AND AESTHETICS OF THE PARK FOR GUESTS, STAFF AND THE ANIMAL COLLECTION. THIS PERSON WILL BE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE GENERAL WORK ORDERS AS ASSIGNED BY MANAGEMENT WHILE WORKING WITH A VARIETY OF MATERIALS SUCH AS, WOOD, FIBERGLASS, REBAR, AND CONCRETE. THEY MUST BE COMMITTED TO LEARN AND TRAIN ON NEW EQUIPMENT AND SKILLS TO ACCOMPLISH DAY-TO-DAY WORK ORDERS, DEPARTMENT REQUESTS, ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND/OR LARGER PROJECTS AS NEEDED. WHILE WORKING BOTH INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHIN THE FACILITIES TEAM, THIS PERSON SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO LEARNING BASIC SKILLS IN A VARIETY OF AREAS NOT LIMITED TO CARPENTRY, MASONRY, METAL FABRICATION, ROOFING, WELDING, AND POND MAINTENANCE. THIS PERSON WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND TEAM TO COMPLETE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO,

Requirements

• General maintenance and/or construction knowledge and experience
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, always following safety protocols
• General knowledge of animal safety
• Ability to think outside of the box while working both independently and within a team
• Knowledge of the Zoo’s mission and philosophy
• Basic Computer knowledge.
• Sound shop organizational skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to get along with diverse groups.
• Tactful, mature.
• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, must be self-directed
• A high school diploma or comparable combination of education, experience, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify individuals.
• Minimum 2 years of actual construction / maintenance experience.
• Knowledge of basic construction materials and processes.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds while escorting sub-contractors, to conduct tours, and to respond quickly to emergencies
• Must be physically able to exert up to 50 lbs. of force on a regular basis to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and work on ladders or scaffolding.
• The employee will be exposed frequently to outside, potentially adverse, weather conditions.
• The employee will be regularly exposed to water, solvents, chemicals, and potentially loud noises.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate all specialized equipment used to move and lift supplies hand trucks, electric cart, fork lift, motorized pallets jacks and others
• Ability to exercise safe work habits in proximity of potentially dangerous animals and equipment
• Risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases
• Willingness to scale ladders and work at high vertical locations
• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as assigned.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record is required.
• Non-infectious TB status.

Responsibilities

• Maintain fencing, fixtures, walkways, cement walls, roofing, and other infrastructure throughout the Zoo
• Maintain, repair, restore, exhibits and create other structures or spaces for animals
• Create, construct and modify various exhibit elements, including but not limited to animal crates, den boxes, artificial plants, and climbing structures
• Assemble and install furniture and fixtures throughout the zoo
• Complete basic maintenance to all zoo vehicles including golf carts, gators, forklift, bobcats, etc
• Learn to safely operate fork-lift, bobcat, pallet jack, and any additional equipment or machinery as needed
• Complete specific exhibit projects to maintain integrity of space including constructing safety fences/barriers, modifying holding spaces, and completing as needed exhibit modifications
• Escort sub-contractors around the Zoo communicating the overall vision of work being completed
• Perform basic interior and exterior maintenance of zoo buildings as needed
• Maintain the zoo signage
• Perform inventory and work order management in accordance with AZA and USDA requirements
• Wears the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
• Complete projects requiring artistic creativity, visual arts, and design
• Promote good public relations and provides exceptional guest experiences
• Work closely with other zoo staff throughout all departments
• Maintain shop inventory and cleanliness communicating with Lead or direct supervisor regarding needed materials
• Perform related work as assigned

Benefits

• In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED