Grounds - Senior Groundskeeper

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 beautiful 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 groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!


This is a union full-time hourly position, grade U530 with a pay rate of $32.08/hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the union, full-time employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

The anticipated work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Flexibility in scheduling may be required based on operational needs. Valid Class "B" CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement required to operate garbage truck.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by performing routine and standard Grounds Department duties and functions with minimal or no supervision to enhance the beauty, cleanliness, and aesthetics of the zoological park to contribute to BZC’s goal of providing an exceptional guest experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• *Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture in accordance with routine departmental operating procedures. Maintains work records as directed. Directs work of groundskeepers, assistant groundskeepers and/or seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment. Coordinates one or more categories or programs of routine work. Develops and performs new skills and procedures as assigned. Trains new hires in duties as required.
◦ Horticultural duties include, but are not limited to, care of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, planting, watering, weeding, mulching, propagation, tilling, lawn care, pruning, fertilization, plant protection from hazardous conditions, pest control, plant selection, design, interior tropical plant maintenance, and other horticultural duties as assigned.
◦ General park duties include, but are not limited to, waste disposal, manure collection and disposal, recyclables collection, snowplowing, construction activities, equipment maintenance and repair, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, road repairs, and other general park duties as assigned.
◦ Quadrant maintenance duties include, but are not limited to, section cleaning, sweeping, raking, blowing, paper-picking, safety inspection, repair of sentinels, picnic tables and seating benches, inspection and repair of playground equipment, litter/paper pick-up, maintenance of drainage systems, animal yard surface repairs, leaf raking and pick-up, snow and ice removal, pavement power-washing, paver maintenance, minor road cold patching, path mulching, and other duties as required.
• *Assists and participates constructively in all departmental activities, including meetings and irregular and emergency assignments.
• *Performs daily inspections of assigned areas and reports to supervisor as necessary with regard to safety issues, needed repairs, or other problems.
• Assists supervisors to develop and implement standard operating procedures for programmatic area(s).
• Other related duties as required

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

▪ High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
▪ Minimum 3 years previous grounds maintenance or horticulture experience required.
▪ Knowledge of operation and maintenance of irrigation systems may be required.
▪ Pesticide operator's license may be required.
▪ Certified arborist license may be required.
▪ Small engine mechanical repair skills may be required.
▪ Good communications and interpersonal skills.
▪ Warm, personable demeanor and customer service orientation.
▪ Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
▪ Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
▪ One or more of the following licensures may be require