JOB POSTINGS

Our growing network is always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference. This jobs list is constantly changing and growing, so be sure to check in periodically to see if there’s a job for you.

Safety Coordinator

The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is seeking a Safety Coordinator to conduct environmental health and safety workplace and work practice audits and inspections; assist with the management of the Society’s Safety Representative Program; coordinate, provide, and document employee safety training programs; respond to, investigate, and document safety concerns; respond to fire alarms; and maintain/inspect fire extinguishers and emergency lighting throughout our 200+ acre park. The Safety Coordinator not only ensures the safety of facilities, employees and guests, but also of the animals! This is a full-time salaried role that offers a comprehensive benefits package.

By working for the Chicago Zoological Society at Brookfield Zoo you will make a meaningful difference by supporting a mission-based organization that takes PRIDE in everything we do. Every job at Brookfield Zoo is important to creating a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for our two million annual guests. It is a dynamic work environment where no two days are ever the same.

Under the guidance of the VP, Risk & Facilities Management, the Safety Coordinator contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by developing, implementing and coordinating Safety policies, procedures, audits and training in support of the organization’s goals related to sustainability through risk management and achievement of safety objectives.

Primary duties and responsibilities:
• Work with the VP, Risk & Facilities Management (“VP”) to build a safety culture within the
organization. Conduct workplace and work practice audits and inspections to identify hazardous areas/situations. Auditing includes employee tasks/areas, guest areas, general park properties and construction/renovation areas. Evaluate operating procedures, state statutes, park rules and regulations. Enforce and ensure compliance with existing policies, procedures and applicable safety regulations.
• Work with the VP in the development of safety policies and procedures to be included in the
Health & Safety Manual based on regulatory requirements, safety best practices and results of
safety audits. Assist with the management of the Society’s Safety Representative
Program, including reviewing monthly reports and conducting appropriate follow-up.
• Develop, establish, and provide employee safety training programs. Coordinate training and
record retention for all OSHA-mandated and safety workplace training conducted.
• Under the direct supervision of the VP, responsible for assisting with the daily maintenance of the Society’s fire alarm detection and suppression systems, including coordination of these systems with outside contractors and local fire departments.
• Administer or actively participate on assigned teams both within the Risk Management and the
Society as assigned. Responsible for keeping supervisors informed in a timely manner of incidents or situations that are not identified as routine or that have the potential to impact the department or other departments within the Society.
• Conduct accident investigations for guest and employee incidents. Document findings of the
investigation with root cause analysis and work with department managers provide corrective
actions to mitigate identified causal factors of the incident.
• Maintain knowledge of hazardous material handling and environmental issues. Assist in
coordinating disposal of hazardous waste. Oversee the coordination of the hazard communication
policy/plan as regulated, including the inventory and retention of all safety data sheets for
hazardous chemicals/materials on CZS premise. Work with staff on hazard identification and
reporting, including unsafe work practices, inclusion of safety-specific details in written reports,
and coordination of safety training for the Police department. Coordinate and follow up
accordingly to reported incidents and verify that corrective actions are taken immediately.
• Comply with safe work practices; inspect equipment and vehicles daily for any defects, use personal protective equipment as assigned in the completion of duties.
• Perform or coordinate industrial hygiene surveys including personnel exposure and area
monitoring, noise surveys, and environmental exposures. Respond to questions and investigate
safety issues of employees and guests.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The requirements for this position include the following:
• High school diploma or (GED) equivalent.
• Bachelor of Science degree in safety or related field or eight years of equivalent training and
experience required.
• Two years relevant experience in the safety field.
• Specific knowledge of OSHA laws and regulations, EPA, DOT and NFPA regulations and codes, Uniform Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Compensation Laws, public health requirements and other applicable legislations and requirements required.
• Strong ability to understand, communicate and carry out oral and written instructions, prepare
clear, comprehensive reports, and accurately review reports from subordinates.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent rapport with others, excellent public relations, strong
communication and collaborative skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information, maintain confidences, distinguish confidential materials and apply Society standards for security and privacy.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and prioritization skills. Ability to work well under
pressure, meet critical deadlines, and manage time effectively. Position requires an eye for detail
and accuracy.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse,
multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required.

The preferred qualifications:
• OSHA-certified Safety Instructor for General Industry desired.
• Knowledge of life safety systems preferred.
• Safety Professional Certification desired.
• 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 is a full-time position, which includes working rotating weekends, evening and holidays as assigned. This position also requires rotating 24-hour “on-call” status shared with the VP. Incumbent must be an active participant in maintaining a high level of customer service and work with staff to ensure the highest level of customer service is delivered. Individual must gain a strong working understanding of department operations and procedures, the Society’s mission, vision, values and operating philosophies and how work activities affects the operation of the Society and other departments.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits Overview:
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Short-term, long-term & accidental death insurance plans
401k with employer match, financial planning
Generous Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
AFLAC, LifeLock Identity Theft Protection & Pet Insurance options

Plus:
Free Admission & parking, including immediate family
Discounted Childcare
Discounted Zoo Day Camp
Discounts on Zoo purchases
Tuition Assistance

Workplace safety is the Chicago Zoological Society’s top priority. We require all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless they request and receive a religious or medical exemption. New hires must have at least received their first vaccine dose prior to their start date. (Updated 9/16/22)

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition number 2392BR.