Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 41,328 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement savings match

Job summary

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is seeking a Craftsworker Aide-Life Support to perform skilled and semi-skilled craft duties throughout the park, focusing on life support systems. This temporary, full-time position offers a starting pay rate of $30.99 per hour and is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and a safe environment.

The ideal candidate will have 6 months of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a team-oriented approach. We provide comprehensive health benefits, paid holidays, and matching retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in water quality maintenance or successful internship.
• Ability to read, write and perform required math.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled craft duties throughout the park.
• Operate and maintain life support systems.
• Participate in emergency response and animal welfare programs.

Skills

Water quality testing

Pump maintenance

Communication skills

Team-oriented work style

Cultural competency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Filtration systems

Testing equipment

Golf cart

Job description

The Craftsworker Aide-Life Support contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by performing skilled and semi‑skilled craft duties throughout the park with a focus on life support systems. Supports BZC’s mission and identified goals related to asset protection, financial sustainability, guest experience, and animal welfare. Ensures work performed provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection. Ensures exhibits and facilities are functional, well maintained, and support BZC objectives. This is a temporary, union, full‑time, hourly position, grade U451 with a pay rate of $30.99/hour.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled and semi‑skilled craft duties throughout the park with guidance from full‑time Life Support staff and supervisor; ensure work meets section standards, client specifications, applicable codes and standards, and program goals and is aesthetically pleasing to guests. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot life support systems such as dolphin/pinniped, salt‑water fish building, bear exhibit, primate stream systems, and splash pads. Work cooperatively with peers, managers, and clients.
• Adhere to established quality control standards and ensure all work meets set specifications and complies with quality control requirements.
• Perform duties associated with the Life Support overhead operating program, including following the Labor Allocation Sheet system and completing daily labor allocation sheets, attending and participating in meetings as assigned.
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures and carry out associated tasks, including equipment and maintenance, inventory and purchasing, facility surveys, and utility location checks.
• Participate in the section’s emergency response and animal welfare programs as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned or directed.
• Work on weekends, holidays, and after normal hours when required.
• Carry a pager or cell phone and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Operate a golf cart safely to transport equipment and supplies to Life Support locations throughout the workday.
• Pass a physical examination and meet any required medical testing or procedures deemed necessary for the job and/or required by law.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED).
• At least 6 months experience in water quality (temperature, turbidity, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, alkalinity, oxygen, etc.) using reliable testing methods and/or pool‑pump maintenance in closed‑system filtration, or successful completion of an internship program on water quality and/or Life Support Systems with an AZA accredited institution.
• Ability to read, write and perform all required math commensurate with the field of responsibility.
• Ability to learn and apply information regarding water chemistry and maintenance of closed water systems.
• Ability to perform all tasks related to the field and possess related skills.
• Team‑oriented work style.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire (Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire; out‑of‑state residents must provide a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license).
• Desirable: Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Desirable: Life Support Operator Level I Certification.
• Desirable: NSPF Certified Pool Operator certificate.

Benefits

Union Temporary Aide-level Employees are considered full‑time employees and are eligible for coverage under the Teamster’s Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (Medical Insurance). Vacation benefit is not accrued. Union employees receive three personal days per year. Sick leave accrues based on 80 hours per year, with additional sick days for perfect attendance. Ten paid holidays are available. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union with 100% cost paid by BZC. Retirement savings includes a 6% pre‑tax enrollment and matching contributions of up to 3% after one year of service.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.