Seasonal Grounds Crew

position SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of duties required to maintain the appearance and cleanliness of Utah Hogle Zoo’s, including grounds, shrubs and planting beds. Equipment includes mowers, aerators, and carts. Duties include weeding and planting flower beds; turf, and tree/shrub maintenance, picking up trash, raking leaves, clearing pathways and removing debris.

At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard supporting the zoo’s mission of creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports directly to Grounds and Horticulture Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs trash and debris removal from the pathways, designated trash and recycle containers.
• Assists with irrigation system maintenance and repairs, and clock management.
• Performs flower beds maintenance to keep planting areas looking presentable.
• Performs tree care and pruning and fall leaf removal.
• May perform snow and ice removal using shovel and/or snow blower equipment in case of unusual weather.
• Operate various types of handheld and light mechanical equipment including mowers, sweepers, blowers, and other grounds maintenance equipment to complete assigned tasks.
• Support Zoo events by cleaning event areas; moving and locating needed table chairs and picnic tables for scheduled event set up.
• Performs other duties as assigned to help keep the zoo operational including assisting other departments.
• Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation efforts, including interacting with guests to communicate the zoo mission.
• Maintains strict confidentiality e.g. animal collection information not yet disclosed to public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NEEDED

• Able to work shifts with split weekends (either Sunday or Saturday, not both) and holidays required.
• Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.
• Basic computer operation to access work order programs, emails, and track project hours.
• Required grounds skills:
• Ability to operate small hand tools and small gasoline operated equipment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform manual labor both indoors and outdoors for an extended period of time, including during inclement weather.
• Willingness to perform manual labor that may involve dirt, mud, spills, wood debris, and garbage.
• Respectfully communicate with guests and coworkers.
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Reporting of accidents or interpersonal conflict to supervisor or security team.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Apply critical thinking techniques.
• Prioritize daily assigned work.
• Perform within deadlines, including managing stress imposed by deadlines.
• Work well in a team and on independent tasks.
• Have a memory for details.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION 

• Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment
• A valid driver’s license is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Tasks require a variety of moderately heavy physical activities which generally involve muscular strain. Requires activities related to walking, standing, bending, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Exposure to spraying of insecticides and herbicides, spreading of fertilizers, cleaning and sanitation chemicals heat, cold, noise, dust and fumes. Requires lifting of up to 50 lbs. 

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.