Facilities Seasonal Staff

About the Role

This position contributes to the success of the Lincoln Park Zoological Society by performing routine duties and functions to meet operating needs, ensuring the safety, cleanliness, beauty, and aesthetics of the park for guests, staff, and the animal collection. The role involves completing general work orders and working with materials such as wood, fiberglass, rebar, and concrete. The individual will learn and train on new equipment and skills to accomplish day-to-day work orders, department requests, routine maintenance, and larger projects as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain fencing, fixtures, walkways, cement walls, roofing, and other infrastructure throughout the zoo
• Assemble and install furniture and fixtures throughout the zoo
• Complete basic maintenance to all zoo vehicles including golf carts, gators, forklifts, bobcats, etc.
• Perform basic interior and exterior maintenance of zoo buildings as needed
• Maintain zoo signage
• Perform inventory and work order management in accordance with AZA and USDA requirements
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
• Complete projects requiring artistic creativity, visual arts, and design
• Promote good public relations and provide exceptional guest experiences
• Work closely with other zoo staff throughout all departments
• Maintain shop inventory and cleanliness, communicating with Lead or direct supervisor regarding needed materials
• Perform related work as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or comparable combination of education, experience, or training
• Minimum 2 years of actual construction/maintenance experience
• Knowledge of basic construction materials and processes
• General maintenance and/or construction knowledge and experience
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment while following safety protocols
• General knowledge of animal safety
• Ability to think creatively while working both independently and within a team
• Basic computer knowledge
• Sound shop organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Professionalism, tact, and maturity in interactions
• Ability to represent the zoo professionally at all times
• Sound judgment in emergency situations
• Courteous and respectful interaction with supervisors, employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and the general public
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and be self-directed
• Available to work special events outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record

Physical Requirements

• Ability to traverse zoo grounds
• Physically able to exert up to 50 lbs. of force regularly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work on ladders or scaffolding
• Frequent exposure to outside, potentially adverse, weather conditions
• Regular exposure to water, solvents, chemicals, and potentially loud noises
• Ability to exercise safe work habits near potentially dangerous animals and equipment
• Risk exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases
• Willingness to scale ladders and work at high vertical locations

Benefits

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets, attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife

Pay

$17.05/hour