Police Dept - Probationary Patrol Officer

Brookfield Zoo Chicago • Brookfield, IL

10d • 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! The Probationary Patrol Officer is a full-time, hourly, union position grade U150 with a pay rate of $28.67 per hour. This Probationary Patrol Officer 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) 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.
• Must successfully complete and pass to minimum standards Illinois Police Academy training or approved training waiver to become full time ILETSB certified Police Officer in good standing with the State of Illinois within one year of hire.
• Successful completion of BZC Field Training Officer Program, and knowledge of BZC Standard Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• Maintain a current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider (or Department-approved equivalent) for competency in resuscitation skills (CPR, ventilations, AED use, choking relief) and AHA Heartsaver® First Aid training (or Department-approved equivalent) for first aid skill competency 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.
• Provide onsite medical support and first aid supplies, the documentation of patient care, and the activation of EMS services when required.
• 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

• Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire.
• Personal Convenience Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose.
• Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 10 days per year (accumulated at a rate of 0.833 days per month worked).
• Holidays: Union employees are eligible for ten paid holidays per year.
• Medical Insurance: Brookfield Zoo Chicago 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.
• Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire.
• Employer-Paid Income Protection: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits and Basic Term Life insurance through the Teamsters Union and Long-Term disability benefits through Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
• Voluntary Benefits: Group Accident Insurance, Group Critical Illness Insurance, Identity Theft Protection.

What This Job Offers

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