Operations Lieutenant, Brookfield Zoo Police Department

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

21h•$89,583 - $98,542•Onsite

About The Position

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey! This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by performing duties as an armed officer to ensure the safety and protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the enforcement of laws and BZC rules to protect BZC assets and support BZC’s goal of providing an excellent, safe guest experience and workplace. This position is responsible for supervisory and administrative duties including, planning, organizing and directing assigned activities of the Police Department. This is a non-union, fulltime, salaried position, grade 10, with a hiring range of $89,583.33 to $98,541.67. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the non-union, fulltime employee section). You may also copy and paste this link in your browser for ease of viewing: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf

Requirements

High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
Successful completion of Illinois Police Academy to minimum standards.
Minimum 3 years relevant experience as a patrol officer in law enforcement that includes relevant supervisory experience required.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local civil and criminal statutes on which charges and arrests are executed, including laws of arrest, search and seizure.
Knowledge of standard police rules and regulations.
Valid Illinois EMT license or must obtain license of State of Illinois Emergency Medical Technician license within one year of hire. Must complete system entry process at designated Resource Hospital within 90 days of hire or within 90 days of obtaining valid EMT license, if later, and must attend continuing education classes as mandated by EMS Regional Hospital and department standards.
Valid Fire Owners Identification Card required.
Must be able to successfully complete qualifications with department-issued weapons (.45 caliber, shotgun, .223 caliber, .308 caliber, 45/70 caliber, .375 caliber and .458 caliber) as specified in CZS Police Department guidelines as soon as feasible after hire or as otherwise specified by the Illinois State Training Board. Must maintain firearm qualifications.
Strong ability to understand, communicate, carry out and supervise oral and written instructions; prepare clear, comprehensive written reports and accurately review reports. Able to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
Ability to use common security and other equipment, including, but not limited to: medical and extrication equipment (within 90 days of hire), computers, portable radios and other emergency equipment.
Strong communications and interpersonal skills required. Able to maintain confidence, establish an excellent rapport with others, and excellent public relations skills.
Able to handle sensitive information and to distinguish confidential materials and information.
Sound independent judgment; strong problem-solving, decision making and prioritization skills.
Ability to work well under pressure, meet critical deadlines and manage time and staff effectively.
Requires an eye for detail and accuracy.
English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or other related field or four years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience preferred.
Five years relevant experience as a patrol officer in law enforcement, including three years supervisory experience preferred.
Prior experience supervising a minimum of 25 employees preferred.
Prior experience working with budgets, payroll and/or purchase orders preferred.
Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

With the Chief of Police and working with the Administrative Lieutenant, administers the enforcement of park rules, regulations and maintaining a secure environment for guests, employees, facilities and the animal collection.
Under the direction of supervisor and working with the Police Administrative Lieutenant, directs, supervises assigned employees, including but not limited to: hiring, selection, assignment, scheduling, training and development, coaching and counseling and disciplinary actions. Ensures that established policies and procedures are followed and assures the enforcement of park rules, compliance with state, federal and local statutes and regulations. Sets performance standards and goals for staff and completes timely performance evaluations. Reviews reports written by subordinates and the Administrative Lieutenant, monitors performance, provides coaching and counseling when necessary, and recommends personnel actions.
Prepares work schedules for regular and seasonal employees to assure adequate staffing levels for rotating shifts to meet operating needs and for special events.
Provides administrative support for the department, including, but not limited to yearly, quarterly and monthly reports. Responsible for maintaining all emergency medical, case, night and daily activity reports, schedules and other department records and reports as required.
Assists the Sergeants in the preparation and administration of daily roll call, inspects the appearance of subordinates for day and afternoon shifts and assigns officers to special details as required. Explains new directives, information regarding special events occurring in the park, and reviews/relays relevant information, current trends and/or special watches.
Responsible for keeping supervisors timely informed of non-routine incidents or situations or that have the potential to impact the department or another department within BZC.
Works with supervisors and the Risk Management team to reinforce a safety culture within the Police Department. Works with department staff on hazard identification and reporting, including unsafe work practices, inclusion of safety-specific details in written reports, and coordination of safety training for the Police Department. Reports incidents and corrective actions taken immediately to safety and a supervisor. Complies with and ensures subordinates follow safe work practices. Inspects equipment and vehicles daily for any defects and uses personal protective equipment and automobiles as assigned in the completion of duties.
Manages the Park Safety Officer Program. Working with assigned Sergeant(s), oversees all aspects of the program to include selection, assignment, scheduling, training, evaluation and disciplinary actions.
Patrols zoo property and enforces and administers park rules; statutes and regulations. Prepares field reports and required paperwork in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to work schedules defined by the department, including nights, weekends and holidays. Patrols the park and adjacent boundaries using a patrol car, golf cart, on foot or bicycle as assigned. Responds to basic inquiries from Police Officers and Park Safety Officers and conducts appropriate follow up. Responds to dispatch calls, including, but not limited to: opening/securing buildings/facilities and gates; pick up and delivery of monies between point-of-sale locations and Cash Control; picks up of monies and completes appropriate documentation for collection of revenue from various machines/donation boxes or other sources and delivers same to Cash Control; assists motorists with vehicle problems; secures a scene, interviewing participants and witnesses; and collects other related information for documentation purposes. Coordinates activities or responds to emergency situations per protocols including, but not limited to: resource hospital standard operating procedures, internal Incident Response Plan and the Tactical Animal Response Intervention Plan. Directs vehicle traffic in a safe manner inside parking lots and on surrounding streets as assigned. Keeps work area and equipment in a clean and functional condition. Provides positive public relations and responds to inquiries and requests for information.
Maintains order and investigates suspicious activities of guests and staff. Determines course of action, reprimands or warns individuals, detains or expels from park and/or arrests and books persons committing crimes in violation of statutes and as appropriate to the situation. Interviews complainants and witnesses; analyzes probable sequence of events; seeks additional data through research; identifies arrests and takes into custody offender(s) for probable cause; advises such persons of their constitutional rights; searches subjects for officer safety and testifies in court proceedings to provide known facts and evidence. Transports arrested individuals to appropriate jurisdictions as necessary.
Following established operating procedures from Resource Hospital, administers first aid treatment for injuries or illness, including but not limited to: monitoring life signs, stabilizing victims, transporting individuals to hospitals via ambulance. Prepares patients for transport to local hospital, including lifting patients on a backboard or stretcher, patient extrication or assisting with patient care in the ambulance.
Monitors facilities, parking lots and adjacent properties for safety, hazards and security. Patrols by drive by and physical check to observe, prevent or terminate unlawful acts; reports/documents crimes, unusual situations or safety issues; responds to calls or initiates action and backs up other units as required.
Assists the Chief of Police in the formulation of department protocols, guidelines, and rules, including recommendations for operating procedure improvements and short and long-term planning. Recommends performance standards and goals to the Chief of Police.
Provides assistance in law enforcement and other assigned activities to local community police departments as requested or assigned.
Assists the Administrative Lieutenant with the preparation of the bimonthly time records, and as required, the preparation of department budgets and the purchasing process.
Monitors department team activities administered by subordinates. Administers and actively participates on assigned department team(s) including, but not limited to: vehicle maintenance, investigations, EMS, keys/locks; training; incident response; radios; employee parking and firearms. Prepares and submits monthly activity reports.
Assists Risk Associate and the Administrative Lieutenant with BZC’s cell telephone and pager program. Works with various providers to ensure BZC’s equipment is current, most efficient and cost effective for the institution. Assists with the maintenance of the department’s computers, including making recommendations on equipment, software, training and repairs.
Actively supports and promotes participation in employee surveys and the action planning process. Encourages maximum participation, shares results with staff, and engages all staff in developing actions to improve the workplace and improve survey results.
Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Non-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. Coverage begins on the date of hire. Have a family? You can also cover your spouse, civil union partner, and/or eligible children who are under age 26.
Time away from work: Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum. Below are the equivalent amounts employees, who work 8 hours per day or 10 hours per day, earn in a 12-month period. An employee’s pay grade is included in the job description.
Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.
Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. A waiver credit is available to employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins on the employee’s hire date.
Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available. A waiver credit is offered to employees who waive enrollment in the dental plan. Coverage begins on the employee’s hire date.
Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to the employee. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
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 and Long-Term disability benefits are available which provide up to 60% of the employee’s base weekly wages for the first 90 days, then up to 60% of the employee’s monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life & Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance policies each in the coverage amount of 1X the employee’s annual salary, plus an additional $10,000 in coverage. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits upon hire.
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Brookfield Zoo Chicago believes in helping eligible employees take advantage of pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare and/or dependent care expenses. Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.
Voluntary Benefits:
Advanced Inquiry Degree Program
BZC University
Access Credit Union
Blackhawk Work Perks
Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness
Discounted Day Care
Employee Discounts
Enterprise-Rent-A-Car
Free Flu Vaccines
Free Admission and Parking
Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions
Free Notary Public Service
Freebie Table
Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.
Zoo Day Camp Discount
Zoo Discounts