The Chicago Zoological Society is looking for a Business Analyst to join a solid Information Technology team committed to providing world-class service and support to the Society staff, members and guests. Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and wildlife conservation. The Business Analyst will contribute to the success of the Zoo, the Society and the Department by working closely with internal partners to help improve business processes translate business needs to specific technical requirements and focus more on client/department business needs analysis, providing minimal software development effort. The Business Analyst, Information Services is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and evaluating Chicago Zoological Society systems and business' needs; assisting in the design and implementation of new systems to parallel overall business strategies; and writing detailed descriptions of business need and program functions as well as policies and procedures required to develop or modify computer programs.

As Business Analyst, you will assist the Senior Manager, Business Integration Projects in the evaluation of business requests to determine appropriate solutions for current and future needs. You will work with system stakeholders to establish and coordinate, so-called, super-users with extensive system knowledge within the respective departments. As business needs demand, you will create and update reports. Using your prior experience in programming code, you will write and update software source code as necessary and appropriate to implement fixes and changes. Drawing upon your experience in systems analysis, you will plan for, coordinate, and, as necessary, update systems based on business needs and vendor requirements; evaluate third-party software packages for integration and/or implementation; and provide second-tier technical support to Information Services staff and internal clients related to the various enterprise applications, databases and systems within the Society.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or other relevant field, or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Minimum of three years of experience in systems analysis and programming fields or in a related area required. Must have experience with software and programming code documentation, as well as experience with Microsoft Visio in use with software and database design. Must be familiar with relational database concepts and design as well as client-server concepts architecture concepts. Ability to grasp client's requirements and business processes and explain technology to non-technical staff. Able to perform a variety of complicated tasks and has a wide degree of creativity, self-motivation and self-direction. Good communication skills required. Must maintain confidentiality of information and respect client privacy. Must have excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent project management skills and be able to manage and lead system upgrades and replacements. Must have solid ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and meet critical deadlines. 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. Incumbent must be able to work non-standard hours, holidays, and weekends as required. Must carry cell phone at all times, be available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and respond as required to provide emergency support.

The preferred qualifications include: Three years of experience with software development, database design and database management preferred. Minimum of three years of experience with the following technologies and programming skills: Microsoft SQL Server and Transact-SQL and basic networking as it relates to software development preferred. Three years specific experience with the following technologies and programming languages: ASP.NET, XML and one or more of the .NET languages, e.g. VB.NET and C#, preferred. Familiar with a variety of the object-oriented programming concepts, practices, and procedures a plus. Experience with Microsoft Project preferred and multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer /
Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.