The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds where thousands of animals representing 500 species receive state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs. We are very customer focused as we host over 2 million guests at Brookfield Zoo each year. We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Lead Custodian contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by performing routine and standard custodial duties and functions in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures to contribute to the Society's goal to provide an exceptional guest experience.

The Lead Custodian position with the Chicago Zoological Society is a full-time union role with a starting hourly rate of $21.07. A comprehensive benefits plan that that includes medical, dental, and 401(k) retirement savings plans will also be offered.

The primary duties and responsibilities:

• Supervise and perform general park cleaning and washroom maintenance as assigned. Maintain work records as directed. Custodial duties include, but are not limited to: building vestibule clean-up, floor cleaning, stripping and sealing, wall and ceiling cleaning, public restroom cleaning and sanitation, and restocking of supplies, minor restroom repairs and maintenance, carpet cleaning and spot removal, office cleaning, restaurant cleaning, and the cleaning of all public space in the park. Provide custodial support for special events as needed. Assist Manager, Custodial Services in developing standard operating procedures and performance standards. Schedule daily operational duties and special projects. Provide input and suggestions for work scheduling and prioritization. Organize work, materials, and equipment for assigned projects.
• Perform daily inspection of assigned areas and report to supervisor any unfinished work, safety issues, repairs and supplies needed, or other issues. Ensure work equipment and work areas are safe, clean, and orderly. Adhere to Society and departmental safety standards, procedures, and use of safety equipment.
• Assist and participate constructively in all departmental activities, including meetings and irregular and emergency assignments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This position includes the following requirements:

• High School graduate or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Four years relevant custodial experience including a track record of increasing levels of responsibility and independence required. One year supervisory experience required.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Must be reliable, dependable, and flexible.
• Must have a personable demeanor and be customer service oriented.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

The preferred qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Management or related field or equivalent combination of training and supervisory experience desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This is a full-time position, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. The incumbent is expected to possess or learn and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform all tasks at a satisfactory level (or above) in this position. Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in areas including, but not limited to: developing proficiency in the safe and correct use of various hand tools such as brooms, mops, buckets, dusters, etc., or other tools as assigned, and power equipment such as vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, pressure washers, etc. The incumbent is expected to provide positive internal and external customer service and work cooperatively with others to achieve departmental and institutional goals. Must maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to assist the public as necessary. Ensure work areas and personal image represent the Society in a safe, clean, professional, and orderly manner at all times. Incumbent is expected to incorporate the Society's mission, vision, and values into daily work performance.

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