15-Apr-2024

2024 Seasonal Groundskeeper

2613BR

Temporary/Seasonal

Job Function and Responsibilities

Multiple Openings! Pay rate $15.00 per hour. Typical 40 hour per week schedule! Minimum 18 years of age. Valid driver's license required at time of application.

By working for as a Seasonal Groundskeeper you will gain valuable work experience to last a lifetime. You will make a meaningful difference by supporting a that takes PRIDE in everything we do. Every job at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is important to creating a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for our two million annual guests.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers all employees free admission for the employee and their immediate family, free admission to other Chicago cultural institutions, employee discounts, employee events, training and development opportunities, 401k retirement savings plan, bi-weekly pay checks, direct deposit, not to mention the chance to work outdoors and see animals every day! Free on-site parking is available for employees and Brookfield Zoo Chicago is also accessible by .

The starting pay rate for this position is $15.00 per hour. This position offers, daytime hours with a set schedule up to 40 hours per week, free uniforms including outdoor weather gear and PPE (employees provide their own steel-toed footwear), and the potential to return for multiple seasons.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by performing routine and standard Grounds duties and functions, such as park clean-up, paper picking, lawn mowing, waste removal, mulching, etc., with supervision in accordance with routine operating procedures in order to meet operating needs and to contribute to the cleanliness, beauty, and aesthetics of the park to meet operating needs and provide an exceptional guest experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs general park cleaning duties as directed by supervisor, including collection of garbage and recyclable materials, grounds clean up, paper picking, and/or washing garbage cans.
• Assists in horticultural tasks as directed, including mowing lawns, watering, weeding, mulching, planting, and other horticultural duties as assigned.
• Assists in grounds maintenance tasks including sweeping, raking; blowing; paper picking; repair of sentinels, seating benches and other small repairs as assigned; cleaning out drain inlets and moats; mulching pathways; patching roads; and/or other maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Properly operates and maintains assigned equipment including lawn mowers, blowers, weed whips, small tractors, pick-up and dump trucks, hand tools, and other equipment as required.
• Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment. Inspects work areas for safety hazards and reports such to supervisor.
• Works cooperatively with others to achieve departmental and Society goals. Advises supervisor of client needs. Attends meetings as assigned.
• Informs and assists guests in a courteous and welcoming manner. Maintains an awareness of park schedules and activities in order to provide information to the public as necessary.
• Assures work, equipment, work areas, and self-represent the Society in a safe, clean, professional and orderly manner at all times.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• One or more of the following licensures may be required: Valid "C" or "B" (CDL) Driver's License.
• Valid medical authorization card required for positions with commercial motor vehicle driving responsibilities.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or (GED) equivalent preferred.
• Previous grounds keeping or horticultural experience desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent must learn BCZ and department operations and procedures, the park physical layout, and the Grounds work areas. The Seasonal Groundskeeper position requires a flexible, dependable, motivated, and results-oriented individual. Incumbents must be able to work under pressure, effectively handle emergent issues, and deal effectively with other staff in a tactful and professional manner. Incumbents are expected to gain a clear understanding of BZC's mission, vision and values and to incorporate this into daily work performance. Must support the mission and vision of BZC as a conservation organization and demonstrate the values of cooperation, responsibility, and involvement. Must be reliable and able and willing to work non-standard hours such as weekends and holidays. Seasonal Groundskeepers must supply their own steel-toed work boots, which must be worn at all times when working.

Additional Information

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Related key words: landscaping, horticulture, gardening, public works, forestry, invasive species, arborist, landscaper, botany, arboretum, botanic, botanical, garden.

Schedule Details

The timeframe for this position is typically April - December. The work schedule for this position typically consists of 40 hours per week. Seasonal Groundskeepers are assigned to work an early shift schedule or a late shift schedule. The early shift is typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The late shift is typically from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the spring/fall and from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer. For special events the late shift is typically 12:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Scheduled days off for all shifts are typically Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday. Scheduled shifts are assigned based on the needs of the operation.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Grounds

Group

Plant & Facilities

Union Status

Union

Work Shift

Any 5 out of 7 days/week