Zoo Society Billable 1 - Park Worker I - Zoo

General Description

Under general supervision, to perform manual work involved in the maintenance of gardens, landscaped areas, potted plants and greenhouse plants.

Supervision Exercised

• Park Worker I exercises no supervision.
• Park Worker II may perform as a lead worker of temporary or part time employees and volunteers.

Important and Essential Duties

• Water and fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants;
• Trim and prune trees and shrubs;
• Prepare ground for planting;
• Plant and transplant trees, shrubs, and other plants.

• Pull weeds, remove debris and apply mulch to gardens and other landscaped areas.
• Sweep and clean sidewalks;
• Pick up litter.

• Assist with light construction work such as irrigation installation and repair and installation of garden edging or hard landscape such as ornamental sculptures or rocks.
• Operate various types and sizes of equipment such as weed eaters, gators, and power tools.
• Assist other zoo departments and zoo guests as needed or as assigned to provide the highest level of customer service.

Other Job Related Duties

• Operate larger maintenance and construction equipment such as front loader backhoe, larger area mowers, and lift bucket.
• Provide worksite supervision of other zoo horticulture employees or volunteers in the absence of the Zoo Horticulturist.
• Perform minor pesticide or herbicide applications under the direction and supervision of the Horticulturist.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in plant and landscape maintenance work.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of general maintenance work.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Learn to operate a variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles including a pick-up truck, edger, chain saw, string trimmer, and brush chipper.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of plant and landscape maintenance work.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Distinguish desirable plants from undesirable plants.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Park Worker II

• Operating irrigation controllers.
• Learn to operate a variety of heavier, more technical equipment including front loader, backhoe, lift bucket, and large area mower.
• Identify 80% of the major landscape plants, pests and their symptoms, and weeds found in the Abilene Zoo landscapes, and have some familiarity with their culture.
• Perform calculations and organize information to accurately complete reports.
• Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.
• Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
• Park Worker I Experience: Previous experience in grounds/garden maintenance or related manual work is preferred.
• Education/Training: Formal or informal education or training, which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Licenses or Certificates: A valid Texas driver’s license: the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• Park Worker II Experience: One (1) year experience equivalent to that of a Park Worer I in the City of Abilene is required.

Special Requirements

• Bloodborne Pathogen training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• The ability to work in conditions ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold in a variety of weather types is required.
• Exposure to noise, outdoors, vibration, chemicals, and mechanical hazards.
• With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
• Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
• Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
• Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
• Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
• Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
• Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
• Codes For How Often: N = No
• E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• A = Almost Never (
• Code / Task
• E Standing
• I Sitting
• E Walking
• M Lifting
• M Carrying
• M Pushing/Pulling
• I Overhead Work
• I Fine Dexterity
• E Kneeling
• E Crouching
• I Crawling
• E Bending
• M Twisting
• I Climbing
• I Balancing
• E Vision
• M Hearing
• E Talking
• E Other: Work Outdoors in extreme weather (windy, cold, hot, inclement)