Carpenters - Lead Craftsworker

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization's Brookfield Zoo is seeking a Lead Craftsworker to perform and supervise a variety of tasks including maintenance projects and facility operations. This hands-on position requires a combination of technical skills and supervisory experience. Candidates must demonstrate leadership abilities and a commitment to safety and conservation efforts. The role offers a competitive salary and is crucial to maintaining high standards for zoo operations and guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years relevant experience required.
• Two years of relevant supervisory experience required.
• Must have knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, and purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate work on a daily basis.
• Ensure a safe environment for workers and guests.
• Lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Cultural Competency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Graduate of an accredited carpenter apprenticeship program

Tools

Construction Materials

Tools for Carpentry

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

* The Lead Craftsworker is expected to perform a variety of duties, which include but are not limited to the following. Specific assignments may vary depending upon the specific nature of work performed and/or specific duties assigned:

• *Perform a variety of assigned duties without direct supervision, ensuring work and services meet operating standards, client specifications, codes (if applicable), and work group goals. This includes routine and non-routine tasks including, but not limited to: those associated with preventative maintenance, special repair projects, renovations, capital construction, events, emergency/safety projects or tasks. Conduct scheduled reviews and inspections to monitor quality. Provide information to manager(s) needed for purchases and development of annual operating budget. Monitor individual department budget line items as assigned, e.g., materials, to assure expenses and purchases are within allotted budget. Maintain familiarity with pertinent, approved budgetary provisions. Assist in controlling the budget by ensuring that allocated resources are properly utilized. Notify manager of any potential budget issues or variances. Assist in the development of cost data for purchasing, budgeting, or other purposes. Investigate, as assigned, document, and recommend items and services for purchase after obtaining written cost comparisons. Submit requisitions to manager for approval of material purchases. Maintain inventory at appropriate levels. Assess environmental impact of all products and recommends selection. Assure sustainable behaviors and practices in support of conservation and resource use in assigned area. Implement sustainable operations in support of the environment. Support the mission of BZC as a conservation organization and demonstrates BZC values.
• *Supervise and coordinate work on a daily basis. Consult and cooperate with management in scheduling daily and special projects and provide accurate, written estimates of materials and labor in regard to work tasks and projects. Provide input and suggestions with respect to work assignments, scheduling, and prioritization. Responsible for daily work allocation for assigned crew, adjusting as necessary to meet changing circumstances. Coordinate work as needed with other departments. Provide frequent updates to managers and staff on work in progress and project status reports to promote smooth operations, resolve issues, and avoid inefficiencies or conflicts. Maintain complete and accurate work records, including overtime and other data as required. Responsible for timely auditing and correcting of daily time allocation reports as needed to insure accuracy.
• *Cooperate with management and provide input into developing standard operating procedures and employee performance standards for individual work group including documentation, communication, implementation, and follow-up. Communicate and enforce established BZC policies and procedures and departmental operating standards.
• *Organize required work, materials, and equipment for assigned projects. Provide necessary training, direction, and orientation to staff. Recommend areas for further skills training and other aspects of staff performance management or development.
• *Supervises the use of and maintain equipment in proper operating condition. Assumes shared responsibility with other Lead Craftsworker(s) for maintaining, operating, and allocating equipment. Instructs employees in and assures the proper use of assigned equipment.
• *Maintains a safe environment for workers, animals, and guests. Performs daily inspections of assigned areas throughout park, including identifying problems and correcting substandard issues regarding public and staff safety, animal welfare, park presentation and guest experience. Determines and prioritizes urgent and necessary repairs, unfinished tasks, and other noted problems or items requiring attention as necessary to adequately maintain assigned area(s) or project(s). Monitors established safety practices and assures adherence to standard safety procedures, including the use of safety equipment. Maintains safety for guests, staff, animals, and BZC assets by applying the appropriate use of signage, barricades, and other measures as appropriate.
• *Leads, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff. Models BZC values and sets a professional example for all staff. Trains and orients new hires including seasonal staff. Provides regular feedback to staff on performance. Identifies and, when possible, resolves issues of conflict with assigned staff; escalates matters needing further attention to manager. Provides manager written feedback into performance evaluations of assigned staff, including documentation of exceptional performance and/or failure to meet performance standards, goals, or expectations. Participates in interview process and provide feedback on candidate skills, qualifications, suitability, and final selection decision as requested.
• *Promote cooperation and involvement. Foster a respectful and effective work environment among assigned work group and within the department. Effectively communicate information from managers to staff by conducting scheduled weekly staff meetings. Provide feedback from staff to managers. Hold additional meetings with staff, including other departments’ staff or project teams as needed to assure adequate flow of information and completion of work. Interact and facilitate communication with external clients, vendors, and contractors. Monitor and document the work and performance of vendors or contractors as appropriate and notify manager of problems or substandard performance.
• *Supervise and perform appropriate tasks in accordance with BZC’s Incident Response Program, Severe Weather plan, animal emergencies, and or other emergencies. Lead and direct others to respond appropriately, and cooperate with coordinators.
• *Willingly inform and assist the public. Maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to provide information to the public and answer questions as necessary. Actively assist to create a welcoming environment for BZC guests. Proactively attend to guest needs, seeking to provide the best experience for each guest. Interact effectively with BZC guests, including formal and informal tours, information sessions, and enriching activities. Minimize disruption to public experience in performance of work.
• Other related duties as required, may include working in other work groups or departments as priorities of work load dictate.

Experience Required

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required or combination of training and/or experience. Graduate of an accredited carpenter apprenticeship program, two years of relevant experience at a journeyman level, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.Eight years relevant experience required including a track record of progressive responsibility and ability to work independently.Minimum two-year relevant supervisory experience required.Must have knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, and purchasing.Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of construction-type materials, equipment, and tools. Requires knowledge of carpentry and facility construction relating to specific work group. Understanding and skill in the construction of scaffolding.Ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility and required administrative and job duties.Must be familiar with relevant codes and regulations related to field.Requires a strong aesthetic sense, ability to visualize and plan projects.Ability to effectively communicate in 2D and 3D through sketches and drawings required.Ability to effectively lead, motivate and direct teams required.Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required.Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.English fluency at a professional working proficiency.Valid driver’s license required at time of 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.DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Three to five years relevant supervisory experience preferred.Knowledge in reading blueprints and construction specifications and managing projects is desirable.Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Lead Craftsworker position is a hands-on technical and supervisory position that requires a wide range of knowledge, experience, and skill in working with traditional and specialized fabrication, materials and equipment, as well as administration and supervision of assigned union staff. The Lead Craftsworker position requires a flexible, dependable, motivated, self-starting, and results-oriented individual who is able to effectively oversee and motivate staff and foster a positive work environment. Incumbent must be able to effectively handle emergent issues and deal with all levels of staff in a tactful and professional manner. Incumbent ensures the work being performed is done safely and provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection, ensures exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and supports BZC’s goals and objectives, coordinates or manages projects as assigned and coordinates assigned personnel and work group(s) to assure maximum efficiency of resources and that departmental goals are attained. Incumbent is expected to gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and to incorporate these into daily work performance. Must be available for consultation in emergency and other unanticipated situations outside of regularly scheduled work hours.This position may require you to undergo and pass a physical examination at BZC’s expense to determine your ability to perform the essential functions of the position. This may also include vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such testing or procedures deemed reasonably necessary.Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer

$39.00 per hour

How to Apply

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 162.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513