Concession Aide – Forest Preserve District
Job Title: Concession Aide
Organization: Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Work Locations: 536 N. Harlem
Job Posting: Feb 23, 2015, 12:00:00 AM
Closing Date: Mar 8, 2015, 10:59:00 PM
Job Summary
Under direct supervision of the Concessions Manager, the concession aide is directly responsible for assisting in researching, recruiting and onboarding of new vendors, along with auditing and monitoring operations of current District vendors. Assists with researching, community outreach, and writing and evaluating requests for proposals (RFP) and requests for qualifications (RFQ) as a way of recruiting concessionaires in addition to establishing agreements with local vendors to increase revenue generation. Provides operational oversight, monitoring and technical support to ensure the smooth running of assigned concession operations. Actively assists in managing existing contracted vendors to ensure full compliance with all contractual obligations including the operation of the District’s ten (10) golf courses and four (4) driving ranges. Assists in monitoring the Oak Park Tennis Club, three (3) boat concessionaires, one (1) kayak concessionaire, Glen Grove Equestrian Stable, three (3) Aquatic Center food vendors, ice cream vendors and (1) zip line concessionaire to ensure contract compliance.
Typical Duties
Supports the development and monitoring of a concession management business model and implements the vision for District concessions reflecting the model and key values of the District.
Supports the overall assessment and analysis of District’s needs for various potential concession operations including, but not limited to, food, outdoor recreation, programming, and retail.
Supports the implementation of concession policies, procedures, and standards. Works with concession manager to take corrective action for concession performance situations.
Keeps official records; prepares memoranda outlining and explaining concession related procedures and policies. Prepares agendas and follow up memos for meetings.
Supports Special Event activities with food concessionaires as needed.
Performs agency liaison functions and coordinates meetings with internal and external customers.
Maintains and expands database records including concessionaire files and mailing lists of vendors.
Educates vendors on District requirements, licenses, insurance and permits as well as providing technical and customer service training for new vendors.
Assists in reviewing contracts and other legal documents to ensure that program activities comply with local, state and federal regulations.
Formulates and assembles information about concessionaires for dissemination.
Implements and oversees a concession cleanliness plan to ensure third party vendors are compliant with state and local codes.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
Must possess two (2) or more years of full-time professional work experience in managing third-party concessions operations or a substantially similar field.
Preferred Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, hospitality management, retail management, marketing, business administration or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Ability to plan and coordinate the timeline for tasks assigned to concessionaires in District.
Ability to research, analyze data and make recommendations.
Demonstrate initiative, leadership, and teambuilding skills.
General knowledge and basic understanding of government procedures, current issues and public resources.
Work as a team member and support a cooperative work environment
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Familiarity with inventory cost control and menu planning.
Experience with profit and loss management.
Excellent client and customer service skills.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, decision-making and excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication in addition to organizational skills and professional presentation.
Ability to work a variable schedule and work effectively in a diverse, fast-paced environment with a focus on delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction essential.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings at multiple locations.
Ability to drive to various District locations throughout Cook County on a regular basis.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
Veteran’s Preference
When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”
Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.
General District Employment Requirements
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW. REQUIRED PROOF MUST BE SENT TO DISTRICT PRIOR TO INTERVIEW. ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.
