Groundskeeper

 JOB SUMMARY:

The Groundskeeper will perform duties to support the general groundskeeping of the Zoo, which includes landscaping, tree and lawn maintenance and snow removal. The Facilities and Grounds team ensures the upkeep of all buildings, including animal exhibits, and equipment utilized by the Zoo. The Lead Groundskeeper will work closely with team members throughout the Zoo to complete this work. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan all garden and plant layouts for grounds and exhibits.
• Purchase all grounds supplies, mulch, stone, etc.
• Manage greenhouse.
• Operate hand, power and riding mowers to cut lawns and open areas.
• Edge walkways, flowerbeds and around buildings.
• Plant, mulch and weed flowerbeds and planters.
• Water, fertilize, cultivate and trim flowers.
• Prune trees and bushes.
• Mix chemicals, fertilizer and other solutions and apply such solutions to grass, shrubs, trees and other plantings.
• Maintain all grounds equipment, including power and hand tools.
• Train staff on grounds equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Perform snow removal and salting as needed.
• Help to monitor on-site parking and traffic flow during Zoo special events, including Winter Lights Spectacular. 
• Perform other tasks assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Landscaping and horticultural practices
• Common hand and power tools
• Grounds keeping equipment and maintenance of such equipment.
• Good interpersonal skills

SKILLS COMPETENCIES:

• Physical strength and endurance; able to lift and manipulate equipment.
• Able to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Able follow written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated self-started and work independently as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in horticulture, garden and grounds maintenance.
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability for the job.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• Physical Demands: Performing the job duties of this position involves walking throughout the zoo grounds, standing for long periods, and other physical tasks, including sit; stand; use hands to fingers; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles.
• Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. While performing the job duties, you are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions. You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by frightened or wild animals that aren't accustomed to human contact. Caution and skill can help keep you safe.