Job Description

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!



Brookfield Zoo Police Department consists of police academy trained officers who are also EMT certified. Our main priority is the safety of our guests, staff, and animals. We regularly conduct training exercises at the zoo and with neighboring police jurisdictions. We find comfort in knowing that our well-trained police officers and partners provide for a very safe environment at Brookfield Zoo.



This is a non-union, fulltime, salaried position, grade 10, with a hiring range of $86,292 to $94,921. The Benefits Summary Information (for this position, please refer to the non-union, fulltime employee section): Benefits Table You may also copy and paste this link in your browser for ease of viewing:

www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf



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.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

1. *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.

2. *Prepares work schedules for regular and seasonal employees to assure adequate staffing levels for rotating shifts to meet operating needs and for special events.

3. *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.

4. *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.

5. *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.

6. *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.

7. *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.

8. *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.

9. *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.

10. *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.

11. *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.

12. *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.

13. *Provides assistance in law enforcement and other assigned activities to local community police departments as requested or assigned.

14. *Assists the Administrative Lieutenant with the preparation of the bimonthly time records, and as required, the preparation of department budgets and the purchasing process.

15. *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.

16. 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.

17. *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.

18. Other related duties as assigned.

Denotes essential job function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

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.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a full-time position which includes rotating weekends, evenings and holidays. Must gain a strong working understanding of department operations and procedures, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission, vision, values and operating philosophies and how work activities impact operations and other departments. Assignments and instructions are given from superior officers who review and evaluate work methods and results through reports, observations and discussions. Maintains a high level of customer service and works with staff to ensure the highest level of customer service. Must learn and apply BZC standards for security and privacy. Must learn the BZC Police department standard operating procedures within three months of hire. Must be able to effectively operate and represent the department in the absence of the Chief of Police and the Administrative Lieutenant. Must represent the department and BZC in a courteous, professional manner at all times. Police K9s may be housed and operate out of the Police Department building. These dogs are trained K9s that are approachable, friendly, and socially trained to work with staff and guests. As the dogs may spend time in and around the Police Department building, canine shedding and dander may be present. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law.



The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



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 132.



We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee 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.



Years of Service



New hire- 5 years

5+ years

10+ years

15+ years

20+ years



Positions in Grades 01H-06



21 days 26 days 31 days 36 days 37 days

Positions in Grades

07H-14-14MT-15MT



26 days 26 days 31 days 36 days 37 days

Positions in Grades

16H-17MT



31 days 31 days 36 days 36 days 37 days

Positions in Grades

07H1-081 (10hr/day)



18 days 22 days 26 days 30 days 31 days

Holidays:

Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.

1. New Year's Day 2. Memorial Day 3. Juneteenth 4. Independence Day

5. Labor Day 6. Thanksgiving Day 7. Day after Thanksgiving Day 8. Christmas Day

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.

Benefit Coverage Tiers Available HMO Employee Cost (biweekly) PPO Employee Cost (biweekly) Waiver Credit (biweekly)

Medical Insurance Single, Single +1, Family $71.19 - $279.22 $46.26 - $181.49 Not Applicable

Medical Waiver Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable -$38.47



HMO PPO

Annual Deductible $0 For In-Network:

$250 Individual / $500 Family For Out-of-Network: $500 Individual / $1,000 Family

Out-of-pocket maximum $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family For In-Network: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family For Out-of-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family

Doctor Visits

PCP Visit



Specialist Visit



Preventive care/

screening/Immunization



$20/visit



$60/visit



No Charge



$20/visit; deductible does not apply



$40/visit; deductible does not apply



No Charge; deductible does not apply



Hospitalization

Facility Fee



Physician's/surgeon's fees



$250/day



No Charge



20% co-insurance



20% co-insurance



Prescription Drugs

Generics



Preferred Brand Drugs



Non-Preferred Brand Drugs



Specialty Drugs



$30/prescription (retail)

$60/prescription (mail order)

$45/prescription (retail)

$90/prescription (mail order)

$60/prescription (retail)

$120/prescription (mail order)



$60/prescription (retail)



Deductible does not apply

$5/prescription (retail), $10/prescription (mail order)



$15/prescription (retail), $30/prescription (mail order)



$30/prescription (retail), $60/prescription (mail order)



$5/$15/$30/ prescription (retail)

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:

Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.



BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.



Tuition Reimbursement

Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.



Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.



Blackhawk Work Perks Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.



Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.



Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.



Enterprise-Rent-A-Car Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.



Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and/or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.



Free Notary Public Service Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused/unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle/upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library:

Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.



Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.



Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.



Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.



The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.