Zoo Society Billable 1 - Park Worker I - Zoo

About the role

The primary responsibility is to perform manual work involved in the maintenance of gardens, landscaped areas, potted plants, and greenhouse plants. Supervision exercised includes leading temporary or part-time employees and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Operate larger maintenance and construction equipment such as front loader, backhoe, lift bucket, and large area mower
• 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

Requirements

• Knowledge of 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

Qualifications

• 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.
• A valid Texas driver’s license: the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Skills

• Learn to operate a variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles including a pick-up truck, edger, chain saw, string trimmer, and brush chipper.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

• Pay Type: Hourly
• Hiring Min Rate: 15.81 USD
• Hiring Max Rate: 20.11 USD

Schedule

• Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
• Standing: E
• Sitting: I
• Walking: E
• Lifting: M
• Carrying: M
• Pushing/Pulling: M
• Overhead Work: I
• Fine Dexterity: E
• Kneeling: E
• Crouching: I
• Crawling: I
• Bending: M
• Twisting: I
• Climbing: I
• Balancing: E
• Vision: M
• Hearing: I
• Talking: E
• Other: Work Outdoors in extreme weather (windy, cold, hot, inclement)