EGW - Assistant Lead Craftsworker

This Assistant Lead Craftsworker position will focus on Electric, Gas, and Water. This may include, but is not limited to installing, maintenance and repair of electrical control, wiring and lighting systems; troubleshooting basic electrical, gas and plumbing issues; and gas meter calibration and repair. This is a regular, full-time, union position with an hourly wage of $35.21 and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The work schedule is typically Monday – Friday with weekend duty shifts and week-long rotating cell phone duty assignments. Craftsworkers may be called in to work off hours to respond to power outages or other emergencies. This is a hands-on technical and supervisory position that requires a wide range or knowledge, experience, and skill in working with traditional and specialized fabrication, materials, and equipment as well as administration and supervision of staff.

BASIC FUNCTION:            

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by performing highly skilled craft duties throughout the Zoo in support of BZC’s mission and operating goals.   Ensure work being performed provides a safe environment for guests, employees, and the animal collection.   Ensure exhibits and facilities are functional, in a well-maintained state, and support BZC’s communication objectives.  Coordinate or manage projects as assigned; coordinate personnel and work group; to ensure maximum efficiency of resources and meeting of department goals.

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 Assistant 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:

1. *  Performs a variety of assigned duties without direct supervision, taking initiative to ensure work and services meet operating standards, client specifications, codes (if applicable), and work group goals. Duties include routine and non-routine tasks, including, but not limited to those associated with preventative maintenance, special repair projects, renovations, capital construction, events, emergency/safety project or tasks specific to electric, water and gas systems.  Conducts scheduled reviews and inspections to monitor quality of work performed by others at the direction of the Lead Craftsworker, EGW.
2. *  In the absence of the Lead, supervises and coordinates work on a daily basis.   Consults and cooperates with management in scheduling daily work orders and special projects and provides accurate, written estimates of material and labor in regard to work tasks and projects.   Provides input and suggestions with respect to work assignments, scheduling and prioritization.  Responsible for daily work allocations for assigned crew, adjusting as necessary to meet changing circumstances.  Coordinates work as needed with other departments.
3. *  Provides frequent updates to Lead, managers and staff on work order progress and provides regular project status reports to promote communications, smooth operations, resolve issues, and avoid problems, inefficiencies or conflicts.  Maintains 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.
4. *  Monitors individual department budget line items assigned, (e.g., materials) to assure expenses and purchases are within approved budget. As assigned, investigates, documents and recommends items and services for purchase after obtaining written cost comparisons.  Submits requisitions to manager for approval of material purchases.
5. *  Cooperates with work group and provides input into developing standard operating procedures and employee performance standards for individual work group including documentation, communication, implementation, and follow-up.  Communicates and enforces established BZC policies and departmental operating procedures, and standards.
6. *  Maintains equipment in proper operating condition.  Has shared responsibility with other work groups for maintaining, operating, and allocating equipment.  Instructs employees in and assures the proper use of assigned equipment. 
7. *  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 needing 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 the public, staff, animals, and BZC assets by applying the appropriate use of signage, barricades, and other measures as appropriate.
8. *  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; brings matters needing further attention to manager.  Provides manager written input 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 provides input on candidate skills, qualifications, suitability, and final selection decision as requested.
9. *  Promotes cooperation, involvement and fosters a respectful, effective work environment among assigned work group within the department.  Effectively communicates information from managers to staff by conducting scheduled weekly staff meetings.  Provides input from staff to managers.  Holds additional meetings with staff, including other departments’ staff or project teams, as needed, to assure adequate flow of information and completion of work.  Interacts and facilitates communication with external clients, vendors, and contractors.  Monitors and documents the work and performance of vendors or contractors as appropriate and notifies manager of problems or substandard performance.  
10. *  Supervises and performs appropriate tasks in accordance with BZC’s Incident Response Program, Severe Weather plan, animal emergencies, and or other emergencies.  Leads and directs others to respond appropriately, cooperating with Coordinators.  
11. *  Willingly informs and assists the public.  Maintains an awareness of Park schedules and activities to provide information to the public and answers questions as necessary.  Actively helps to create a welcoming environment for guests.  Proactively attends to guest needs, seeking to provide the best experience for each visitor.  Interacts effectively with guests, including formal and informal tours, information sessions, and enriching activities.  Minimizes disruption to public experience in the performance of work.  
12. Other related duties as required may include working in other work groups or departments as priorities of work load dictate.  

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum High School diploma or (GED) equivalent or combination of training and/or experience.  Graduate of an accredited electrical, plumbing and/or gas apprenticeship program or 8 years of experience at a journeyman level or an Associate’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. (equivalency requirement satisfied with 2 years of experience to 1 year of training.)
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant supervisory experience including a track record or progressive responsibility, ability to supervise a team of staff.  
• Ability to read, write and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility.
• Proactive, persistent and helpful.  Team player.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform all traditional tasks related to the field.  Must possess skills in related fields; electric, water and gas systems/infrastructure.
• Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of construction-type materials and tools.  Ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility and required administrative and job duties.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.  
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate and direct teams.
• Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• A valid driver’s license is required at time of hire.  Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.  A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.  

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Four years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge in reading blueprints and construction specifications is desirable.
• 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 position is required to rotate weekend duty shifts and week-long rotating cell phone duty assignments.  The Assistant Lead Craftsworker position is a hands-on technical and supervisory position that requires a wide range or knowledge, experience, and skill in working with traditional and specialized fabrication, materials, and equipment as well as administration and supervision of staff.  The Assistant 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 is expected to gain an understanding of the Zoo’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 the regularly scheduled work hours.  

000237-EGW