Groundskeeper

Join the PRIDE!

The Groundskeeper role is perfect for someone who enjoys staying active, working outdoors, and taking pride in creating a clean, welcoming environment for guests and staff. Responsible for maintaining the Zoo's public outdoor spaces, this position plays a vital role in keeping the grounds beautiful, safe, and enjoyable year-round.

This is a fully outdoor position, meaning you'll work in all types of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, snow, and cold. With 235 acres to maintain, multiple parking lots, extensive walkways and roadways, expansive lawns, flower beds, trees, and shrubs, there is always something to accomplish. Groundskeepers can easily walk several miles each day, so if you enjoy being on your feet, you'll have no trouble reaching your 10,000 steps.

Because you'll be working throughout the park, you'll regularly interact with visitors, answering questions, providing directions, and helping guests navigate the Zoo. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in physical work, values teamwork, and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to a memorable experience for every guest who walks through the gates.

No two days are exactly alike, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, independence, and seeing the direct impact of their work on one of the region's most unique and beloved destinations.

The Groundskeeper is a union full-time hourly position grade U540 with a pay rate of $31.67 per hour.

The anticipated schedule for this Groundskeeper position is 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes at least one day each weekend. Horticulture or landscape design experience and prior heavy equipment operator experience preferred. Class "C" or "B" CDL driver's license desirable.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by performing routine and standard Grounds Department duties and functions under minimal supervision.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture in accordance with routine operating procedures. Maintains work records as directed. Directs work of seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment.

- 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.

- Other related duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

- High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) required.

- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field, or equivalent experience desirable.

- Minimum of one year previous grounds maintenance or horticulture experience required.

- 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 required: Valid "C" or "B" (CDL) Driver's License preferred.

- Valid medical authorization card required for positions with commercial motor vehicle driving responsibilities.

- Knowledge of operation and maintenance of irrigation systems preferred.

- Pesticide operator's license preferred (or onsite training will be provided).

- Certified arborist license may be required.

- Good communications and interpersonal skills.

- Reliable, dependable, and flexible individual.

- Professional demeanor and customer service orientation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to perform all tasks at a satisfactory level or above, including: proficiency in the safe and correct use of hand tools (rakes, brooms, hoes, shovels, hand pruners, saws, loppers); small power equipment (blowers, mowers, chainsaws, power washers, tillers, edgers, snow blowers, weed whips); small tractors, water wagons, plows, brooms, and riding mowers; and basic operating knowledge of Bobcats and backhoes. Must be familiar with the Severe Weather Emergency Plan.

The incumbent is expected to provide positive internal and external customer service, working cooperatively with others to achieve departmental and institution-wide goals, inform and assist the public, and maintain awareness of park schedules and activities. Must assure work areas and self represent the Zoo in a safe, clean, professional, and orderly manner at all times, incorporating the Zoo's mission, vision, and values into daily work performance.