Police Dept - Probationary Patrol Officer

Brookfield Zoo Chicago•Brookfield, IL

4d•$27•Onsite

About The Position

Since 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 performing duties as an armed police officer to ensure the safety and protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the enforcement of laws and park rules contributing to BZC’s financial sustainability, extraordinary guest experience, and institution of choice. This is a full-time union position, with a starting pay rate of $27.05 per hour and requires a union initiation fee upon hire and monthly union dues/fees. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the full-time union employees section). For our Benefits Summary Information, copy and paste the following in your internet browser: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/5d/5dfac8db-5b35-45d1-8e3c-b37c698b6d43.pdf We have shifted our patrol schedule and are currently 4 days on, 3 days off, for 10 hour day shifts. The standard shift now is 8am-6pm or 10am-8pm with variance for holidays and events.

Requirements

High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalent required.
Possess a valid NIPSTA (P.O.W.E.R. Test) card or equivalent criteria as per State standard (such as Triton Community College or Joliet Junior College), issued within 12 months prior to hire. Currently certified police officers are exempt.
Valid Illinois EMT license or obtain 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 satisfy continuing education requirements as mandated by EMS Regional Hospital and department standards.
Must successfully complete and pass to minimum standards Illinois Police Academy training within one year of hire.
Successful completion of BZC Field Training Officer Program within 90 days of hire.
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. Must be familiar with standard police rules and regulations.
Must learn BZC Public Safety Department standard operating procedures within 90 days of hire.
Valid Fire Owners Identification Card required.
Ability 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 or as otherwise specified by the Illinois State Training Board within one year of hire. Must maintain firearm qualifications.
Ability to work directly with and care for trained K9s, including, but not limited to, feeding, walking, exercising and having direct and indirect contact with dog hair and dander.
English fluency at a professional proficiency required.
Ability to carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
Good problem-solving, decision-making and prioritization skills.
Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, manage time, and staff effectively.
Eye for detail and accuracy required.
Ability to utilize common security and other department equipment, including, but not limited to: medical and extrication equipment, computers, portable radios and other emergency equipment.
Ability to maintain confidential, sensitive information, ability to distinguish confidential materials and apply BZC standards for security and privacy.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver’s license required on hire. 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

Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
One year (1) patrol officer experience or relevant security / loss prevention experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Patrol BZC property and enforce park rules, regulations and statutes.
Prepare field reports and required paperwork in accordance with established procedures.
Actively participate in and complete the Field Training Officer Program.
Respond to basic inquiries from guests, staff, volunteers and co-workers and follow up as appropriate.
Patrol the park and adjacent boundaries as assigned.
Respond to dispatch calls for routine and emergency situations, including, but not limited to: securing a scene, interviewing participants and witnesses; collecting related information for documentation purposes.
Respond to emergencies per established protocols including, but not limited to resource hospital standard operating procedures, internal Incident Response Plan and the Tactical Animal Response Intervention Plan.
Open, close and secure buildings and facilities, gates and parking lots.
Direct vehicle traffic safely in parking lots and on surrounding streets.
Operate the Police dispatch desk, answer calls and dispatch police units accordingly.
Maintain incident cards for appropriate responding units.
Log/inventory lost/found items per department guidelines and monitor fire alarm system and weather program.
Provide positive public relations and respond to inquiries and information requests.
Assist motorists with vehicle problems.
Participate in mandatory training as required.
Exercise sound independent judgment when responding to routine and complex emergencies.
Follow appropriate safety and procedural rules and guidelines.
Keep work area and equipment in a clean and functional condition.
Drop off and pick-up monies at park locations and complete appropriate documentation for distribution and collection of monies.
Pick up monies from locations and various machines/donation boxes or other sources throughout the park and deliver to Cash Control.
Monitor facilities, parking lots and adjacent properties for safety, hazards and security.
Patrol and perform physical building or area checks to observe, prevent or stop unlawful acts; report/document crimes and unusual situations or safety issues.
Respond to calls or initiate action and serve as back up to other units as required.
Maintain order and investigate suspicious activities of guests and employees.
Consult with supervisor as appropriate to determine courses of action, reprimand or warn individuals, detain or expel from park and/or arrest persons based upon warrant or probable cause for committing crimes as appropriate.
Interview complainants and witnesses; analyze probable sequence of events; seek additional data through research; identify offenders, arrest and take into custody offender(s) for probable cause; advise such persons of their constitutional rights; search subjects for officer safety and testify in court proceedings.
Transport arrested individuals to appropriate jurisdiction for further processing.
Following established operating procedures from the designated Resource Hospital, administer first aid treatment, including but not limited to: monitoring life signs, stabilizing victims, and preparing and transporting patients to hospitals via ambulance including lifting patients on a backboard or stretcher, patient extrication or assisting with patient care in the ambulance.
Accurately complete First Aid Reports for patient non-transports or Patient Care Reports for patient hospital transports.
Provide assistance to local community police departments and other assigned activities as assigned.
During the night shift, report suspicious or unusual situations involving the animal collection, conditions of buildings and facilities and provide assistance to BZC officials and other staff members as needed.
Monitor fire alarm systems, respond to activations, and take necessary corrective actions.
Actively participate on assigned department team(s) including, but not limited to: Vehicle Maintenance, Investigations, EMS, Keys/Locks; Training; Incident Response; Radios; Parking and Firearms.
Report all unsafe conditions, violations of safety procedures and take immediate steps to rectify unsafe condition.
Report incidents immediately to the Safety Department and a supervisor.
Inspect equipment and vehicles daily for defects; use personal protective equipment and automobiles as assigned in the completion of duties.
Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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
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