Operations Lieutenant, Brookfield Zoo Police Department

Operations Lieutenant, Brookfield Zoo Police Department Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Job Description Posted Friday, January 30, 2026 at 6:00 AM Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey! This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by performing duties as an armed officer to ensure the safety and protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the enforcement of laws and BZC rules to protect BZC assets and support BZC’s goal of providing an excellent, safe guest experience and workplace. This position is responsible for supervisory and administrative duties including, planning, organizing and directing assigned activities of the Police Department. This is a non-union, fulltime, salaried position, grade 10, with a hiring range of $89,583.33 to $98,541.67. Benefits Summary Information for this position, please refer to the non-union, fulltime employee section. Primary job duties and responsibilities: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position. With the Chief of Police and working with the Administrative Lieutenant, administers the enforcement of park rules, regulations and maintaining a secure environment for guests, employees, facilities and the animal collection. Under the direction of supervisor and working with the Police Administrative Lieutenant, directs, supervises assigned employees, including but not limited to: hiring, selection, assignment, scheduling, training and development, coaching and counseling and disciplinary actions. Ensures that established policies and procedures are followed and assures the enforcement of park rules, compliance with state, federal and local statutes and regulations. Sets performance standards and goals for staff and completes timely performance evaluations. Reviews reports written by subordinates and the Administrative Lieutenant, monitors performance, provides coaching and counseling when necessary, and recommends personnel actions. Prepares work schedules for regular and seasonal employees to assure adequate staffing levels for rotating shifts to meet operating needs and for special events. Provides administrative support for the department, including, but not limited to yearly, quarterly and monthly reports. Responsible for maintaining all emergency medical, case, night and daily activity reports, schedules and other department records and reports as required. Assists the Sergeants in the preparation and administration of daily roll call, inspects the appearance of subordinates for day and afternoon shifts and assigns officers to special details as required. Explains new directives, information regarding special events occurring in the park, and reviews/relays relevant information, current trends and/or special watches. Responsible for keeping supervisors timely informed of non-routine incidents or situations or that have the potential to impact the department or another department within BZC. Works with supervisors and the Risk Management team to reinforce a safety culture within the Police Department. Works with department 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. Reports incidents and corrective actions taken immediately to safety and a supervisor. Complies with and ensures subordinates follow safe work practices. Inspects equipment and vehicles daily for any defects and uses personal protective equipment and automobiles as assigned in the completion of duties. Manages the Park Safety Officer Program. Working with assigned Sergeant(s), oversees all aspects of the program to include selection, assignment, scheduling, training, evaluation and disciplinary actions. Patrols zoo property and enforces and administers park rules; statutes and regulations. Prepares field reports and required paperwork in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to work schedules defined by the department, including nights, weekends and holidays. Patrols the park and adjacent boundaries using a patrol car, golf cart, on foot or bicycle as assigned. Responds to basic inquiries from Police Officers and Park Safety Officers and conducts appropriate follow up. Responds to dispatch calls, including, but not limited to: opening/securing buildings/facilities and gates; pick up and delivery of monies between point-of-sale locations and Cash Control; picks up of monies and completes appropriate documentation for collection of revenue from various machines/donation boxes or other sources and delivers same to Cash Control; assists motorists with vehicle problems; secures a scene, interviewing participants and witnesses; and collects other related information for documentation purposes. Coordinates activities or responds to emergency situations per protocols including, but not limited to: resource hospital standard operating procedures, internal Incident Response Plan and the Tactical Animal Response Intervention Plan. Directs vehicle traffic in a safe manner inside parking lots and on surrounding streets as assigned. Keeps work area and equipment in a clean and functional condition. Provides positive public relations and responds to inquiries and requests for information. Maintains order and investigates suspicious activities of guests and staff. Determines course of action, reprimands or warns individuals, detains or expels from park and/or arrests and books persons committing crimes in violation of statutes and as appropriate to the situation. Interviews complainants and witnesses; analyzes probable sequence of events; seeks additional data through research; identifies arrests and takes into custody offender(s) for probable cause; advises such persons of their constitutional rights; searches subjects for officer safety and testifies in court proceedings to provide known facts and evidence. Transports arrested individuals to appropriate jurisdictions as necessary. Provide onsite medical support and first aid supplies, the documentation of patient care, and the activation of EMS services when required. Monitors facilities, parking lots and adjacent properties for safety, hazards and security. Patrols by drive by and physical check to observe, prevent or terminate unlawful acts; reports/documents crimes, unusual situations or safety issues; responds to calls or initiates action and backs up other units as required. Assists the Chief of Police in the formulation of department protocols, guidelines, and rules, including recommendations for operating procedure improvements and short and long-term planning. Recommends performance standards and goals to the Chief of Police. Provides assistance in law enforcement and other assigned activities to local community police departments as requested or assigned. Assists the Administrative Lieutenant with the preparation of the bimonthly time records, and as required, the preparation of department budgets and the purchasing process. Monitors department team activities administered by subordinates. Administers and actively participates on assigned department team(s) including, but not limited to: vehicle maintenance, investigations, first aid / EMS, keys/locks; training; incident response; radios; employee parking and firearms. Prepares and submits monthly activity reports. Assists Risk Associate and the Administrative Lieutenant with BZC’s cell telephone and pager program. Works with various providers to ensure BZC’s equipment is current, most efficient and cost effective for the institution. Assists with the maintenance of the department’s computers, including making recommendations on equipment, software, training and repairs. Actively supports and promotes participation in employee surveys and the action planning process. Encourages maximum participation, shares results with staff, and engages all staff in developing actions to improve the workplace and improve survey results. Other related duties as assigned. Position requirements and specifications: High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required. Successful completion of Illinois Police Academy to minimum standards. Minimum 3 years relevant experience as a patrol officer in law enforcement that includes relevant supervisory experience required. Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local civil and criminal statutes on which charges and arrests are executed, including laws of arrest, search and seizure. Knowledge of standard police rules and regulations. Maintain a current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider (or Department-approved equivalent) for competency in resuscitation skills (CPR, ventilations, AED use, choking relief) and AHA Heartsaver First Aid training (or Department-approved equivalent) for first aid skill competency within 90 days of hire. Valid Fire Owners Identification Card required. Must be able to successfully complete qualifications with department-issued weapons (.45 caliber, shotgun, .223 caliber, .308 caliber, 45/70 caliber, .375 caliber and .458 caliber) as specified in CZS Police Department guidelines as soon as feasible after hire or as otherwise specified by the Illinois State Training Board. Must maintain firearm qualifications. Strong ability to understand, communicate, carry out and supervise oral and written instructions; prepare clear, comprehensive written reports and accurately review reports. Able to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action. Ability to use common security and other equipment, including, but not limited to: medical and extrication equipment (within 90 days of hire), computers, portable radios and other emergency equipment. Strong communications and interpersonal skills required. Able to maintain confidence, establish an excellent rapport with others, and excellent public relations skills. Able to handle sensitive information and to distinguish confidential materials and information. Sound independent judgment; strong problem-solving, decision making and prioritization skills. Ability to work well under pressure, meet critical deadlines and manage time and staff effectively. Requires an eye for detail and accuracy. English fluency at a professional working proficiency. Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or other related field or four years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience preferred. Five years relevant experience as a patrol officer in law enforcement, including three years supervisory experience preferred. Prior experience supervising a minimum of 25 employees preferred. Prior experience working with budgets, payroll and/or purchase orders preferred. 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 rotating weekends, evenings and holidays. Must gain a strong working understanding of department operations and procedures, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission, vision, values and operating philosophies and how work activities impact operations and other departments. Assignments and instructions are given from superior officers who review and evaluate work methods and results through reports, observations and discussions. Maintains a high level of customer service and works with staff to ensure the highest level of customer service. Must learn and apply BZC standards for security and privacy. Must learn the BZC Police department standard operating procedures within three months of hire. Must be able to effectively operate and represent the department in the absence of the Chief of Police and the Administrative Lieutenant. Must represent the department and BZC in a courteous, professional manner at all times. Police K9s may be housed and operate out of the Police Department building. These dogs are trained K9s that are approachable, friendly, and socially trained to work with staff and guests. As the dogs may spend time in and around the Police Department building, canine shedding and dander may be present. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee’s ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law. If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 266. We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer. Non-Union Full-Time Employees Time Away from Work: PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year. Employee Benefits: Coverage begins on the date of hire. Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. Common Medical Event HMO PPO Annual Deductible $250 Individual/ $500 Family In-Network: $750 Individual / $1,500 Family Out-of-Network: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Out-of-pocket-maximum $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family In-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family Out-of-Network: $4,000 Individual / $8,000 Family Doctors Visits

• 40/ PCP visit
• 60/ Specialist visit

immunization

• 30/ PCP visit; deductible does not apply
• 50/ Specialist visit; deductible does not apply

immunization; deductible does not apply. Facility Fee: $250/admission plus 20% coinsurance Facility Fee: 20% co-insurance Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available. Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors. Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested. Employer-Paid Income Protection: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance. Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses. Voluntary Benefits: Group Critical Illness Insurance - Identity Theft Protection Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings. The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the AAZ, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency. Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr Brookfield Zoo Chicago