Maintenance & Landscaping Technician II

Are you a team player with a green thumb and light construction experience? Do you like to work outdoors?

Position Status: Full Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $23.90 - $26.30 per hour plus benefits, DOE

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities & Horticulture, Horticulture and Maintenance Technician: Landscaping assists performs direct and light construction for zoo facilities, and ensures that the Zoo gardens and grounds meet the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

General Maintenance:

• Provides general plant care, including watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, planting, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring pest populations.
• Maintains irrigation systems, benches, plant labels (when applicable), and signs.
• Performs all maintenance and light construction in the safest manner following established SOGS and protocols.
• Maintains the necessary records to track maintenance and construction projects, including time spent on job and record of materials used.
• Notices areas of concern in facilities and brings them to the attention of management.
• Provides light construction services including general labor, carpentry, mechanics, and flat work.
• Communicates appropriately, clearly and fully with appropriate staff.
• Prepares for the job with appropriate tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Follows-up on all projects.
• Repairs and paints benches, tables and guardrails, and assists in repair of roads, walkways, buildings, and mechanical equipment.
• Cleans grounds, including pathways and parking lot.
• Maintains tools and equipment .
• Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure quality work.
• Reacts in a timely manner to ensure guest, animal and staff safety in emergency situations.
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
• Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
• Integrates the Zoo's conservation mission and values into daily actions by demonstrating environmentally responsible behaviors, promoting conservation awareness, and actively participating in conservation and sustainability initiatives relevant to the role.
• Attends monthly all-employee meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Cross-trains within department to learn additional skills.
• Participates occasionally in cross-departmental project teams.

Guest Relations

• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information. Answers guests inquiries related to plants and plants maintenance.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in our Core Values, the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Educational background and/or work experience in Horticulture, landscaping preferred.
• Two years paid experience in a trade or general maintenance, or equivalent.
• Significant knowledge and experience working with plants and irrigation systems preferred.
• Significant knowledge and experience operating a wide range of power tools and construction methods.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Fork lift certification preferred but not required
• Valid California driver’s license with good driving record is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• Knowledge of current methods, principles, procedures and practices utilized in horticulture
• Knowledge of native California plants and their cultivation preferred.
• General construction maintenance and horticulture design, installation and maintenance.
• Basic understanding of carpentry, mechanics, vehicle and machinery maintenance, construction and repair.
• Ability to follow oral and written direction.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Competent in the use of all common hand and power tools.
• Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Must be comfortable working in close proximity with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment :

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.
• Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop.
• Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up long periods of time.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, forklift, and two-way radio.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• The ability to quickly move the hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Exposure to chemical cleaning solutions.
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.
• Ability to work week -ends, holidays and events
• Annual TB Test clearance is required.

Tools Used:

• Horticulture equipment
• Hand tools
• Basic power tools
• Table saw
• Electric cart
• Two-way radio
• Fork lift
• Front Loader
• Time Clock

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.