Immediate opening!
Are you passionate about nature, animals, and creating beautiful outdoor spaces? Do you dream of a career where your love for the environment meets your love for adventure? Look no further – the zoo is hiring a full-time Maintenance Technician: Landscaping (Groundskeeper), and we want YOU to be a part of our incredible team!
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Non-exempt, Hourly Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday, 40 hours/week between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm. Compensation: $20 to $22 per hour depending on experience.
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
SUMMARY: As a Groundskeeper at our zoo, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the stunning natural habitats that our animals call home.
Under general direction of the Director of Facilities & Horticulture, Groundskeeper performs direct and light construction for zoo facilities, and ensures that the Zoo gardens and grounds meet the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
General Maintenance and Landscaping:
Provides general plant care, including watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, planting, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring pest populations
Maintains irrigation systems, benches, plant labels (when applicable), and signs
Performs all maintenance and light construction in the safest manner following established SOGS and protocols
Maintains the necessary records to track maintenance and construction projects, including time spent on job and record of materials used
Notices areas of concern in facilities and brings them to the attention of management
Provides light construction services including general labor, carpentry, mechanics, and flat work
Communicates appropriately, clearly and fully with appropriate staff
Prepares for the job with appropriate tools, equipment, and supplies
Follows-up on all projects
Repairs and paints benches, tables and guardrails, and assists in repair of roads, walkways, buildings, and mechanical equipment
Cleans grounds, including pathways and parking lot
Maintains tools and equipment
Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure quality work
Reacts in a timely manner to ensure guest, animal and staff safety in emergency situations
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Attends monthly all-employee meetings
Other duties as assigned
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Cross-trains within department to learn additional skills
Participates occasionally in cross-departmental project teams
Guest Relations
Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to assist and share information. Answers guests inquiries related to plants and plants maintenance
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in our Core Values, the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED
Educational background and/or work experience in Horticulture, landscaping preferred
Two years paid experience in a trade or general maintenance, or equivalent
Significant knowledge and experience working with plants and irrigation systems preferred
Significant knowledge and experience operating a wide range of power tools and construction methods
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Fork lift certification preferred but not required
Valid California driver’s license with good driving record is desirable
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
Knowledge of current methods, principles, procedures and practices utilized in horticulture
Knowledge of native California plants and their cultivation preferred
General construction maintenance and horticulture design, installation and maintenance
Basic understanding of carpentry, mechanics, vehicle and machinery maintenance, construction and repair
Ability to follow oral and written direction
Effective oral and written communication skills
Competent in the use of all common hand and power tools
Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Must be comfortable working in close proximity with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up long periods of time
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, forklift, and two-way radio
Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects
The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
The ability to quickly move the hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
Exposure to chemical cleaning solutions
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Supportive and open employment culture
Ability to work week -ends, holidays and events
Tools Used:
Horticulture equipment
Hand tools
Basic power tools
Table saw
Electric cart
Two-way radio
Fork lift
Front Loader
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.