Share your passion for animals and conservation!

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. From the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins to pioneering the field of conservation psychology, the Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world. We are also making a difference locally by engaging over 2 million zoo guests annually with unique exhibits and programs.

The Creative Services department is responsible for the narrative, brand, and visual presentation of the Society and Brookfield Zoo. It is mainly through the efforts of this department-which includes signage, advertising and public relations materials, printed materials, content development, and electronic communications-that the Society is able to impart its messages of conservation leadership and animal care and welfare.

The Lead Craftsman - Creative Services contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by overseeing the operations of the Creative Services Sign Shop in the daily supervision, coordination, and implementation of all routine and special signage work, as well as the in-park sign maintenance program. Performs all supervisory duties, including purchasing, budget management, and performing all tasks as necessary to meet the operating needs of the Creative Services Sign Shop with a high degree of professionalism, efficiency, independence, and quality.

The Lead Craftsman 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:

Builds and/or installs signage elements as specified, using power equipment, paint, and other (sometimes hazardous) materials without direct supervision. Maintains a safe environment for staff, animals, and guests. Follows established departmental procedures.

Performs routine tasks, including but not limited to:
Delivering and collecting temporary signs;
Performing preventative maintenance, cut requests, installation of routine signage;
Responding promptly to special repairs and emergency signage;
Identifying problems regarding guest safety, park presentation, and guest experience;
Performing routine inspections of the park and advises supervisor of needed adjustments, repairs, etc.; and
Coordinating work as needed with other CZS departments.

Supervises and coordinates the work in the Creative Services Sign Shop on a daily basis including but not limited to:
Assigning work to Creative Services Craftsmen, maintaining Creative Services Sign Shop staffing schedule, to insure department goals and project deadlines are met;
Providing feedback to staff on a regular basis with respect to work assignments and prioritization and providing frequent updates to manager on progress of work through the use of various forms of communication including the Shop Prioritization List spreadsheet;
Providing input to manager's written employee performance evaluation, implementation, and follow-up;
Providing necessary training, direction, and orientation to staff as well as recommending additional training related to staff performance and development; and
Participating in interviewing and hiring recommendations for any new Creative Services Sign Shop staff.

Assists in the development of Creative Services Sign Shop budget for purchasing, maintenance, and repairs. Monitors individual budget line spreadsheet to assure expenses and purchases for the Creative Services Sign Shop budget are within the allotted funds. Notifies manager of any potential budget issues or variances.

Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This position has the following requirements:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited apprenticeship program or two years of relevant experience at a journeyman level, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Five years relevant, comparable experience, including a track record of progressive responsibility; one year relevant supervisory experience required.
• Proficiency in the use and maintenance of construction-type materials, equipment, and tools. Requires experience with fabrication with woods, plastics and metals, as well as concrete installation, painting, and finishing.
• Requires a strong aesthetic sense, ability to visualize and plan projects, and ability to manipulate three-dimensional objects and construction.
• Ability to read, write, and perform all required math commensurate with field of responsibility and required administrative and job duties.
• Must have knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, and purchasing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be familiar with all codes and regulations related to field.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and direct teams.
• Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• 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. Valid "D" Class Driver's License required. If Illinois resident, must possess an Illinois D Class license within 30 days of hire.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Three years relevant supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience or knowledge of signage and interactive construction desirable.
• Knowledge in reading blueprints and construction specifications and managing projects desirable.
• Ability to communicate in 2D and 3D through sketches, drawings, and models desirable.
• Basic computer skills on PC or Macintosh platform a plus, including spreadsheet, e-mail, and word processing software.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  

Additional Information: The Lead Craftsman position is a hands-on technical and supervisory position that requires a wide range of knowledge, experience, and skill in working with traditional and specialized signage fabrication materials and equipment, as well as administration and supervision of assigned staff. 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. Incumbent must develop an understanding of the Society's mission and vision, as well as a comprehensive understanding and sensitivity to the Chicago Zoological Society's diverse audiences. The nature of the work produced by the Creative Services Department requires flexibility, dependability, and a cooperative,
results-oriented staff that can work out new solutions to respond to the varied and intense list of service requests received each year. Because the Chicago Zoological Society is an organization with multiple, rapidly changing priorities, the incumbent must be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable in a dynamic organization. Individual must be comfortable working in an environment that is mission and vision driven and embrace the Society's core values of people, results, innovation, diversity, and enthusiasm. Incumbent is expected to assist and inform the public as needed.

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