Facility
Buffalo Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Buffalo Zoo is hiring for the position of Groundskeeper I. The Groundskeeper I is responsible for landscape, horticulture, custodial/janitorial duties and functions as necessary to meet operating needs with a high degree of efficiency and independence to maintain performance standards throughout the Zoo grounds. The Groundskeeper I must have the ability or the ability to learn the use of mowers, edger’s, trimmers, chainsaws and other landscape equipment that pertains to the work. The ability to drive vehicles, skid loaders, and tractors and similar vehicles is also necessary for this position. The Groundskeeper I reports directly to the Curator of Horticulture and Grounds.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Installation, removal, and maintenance of zoo landscape and turf to include all plant material and turf in public areas, animal exhibits, and behind the scenes areas including but not limited to: planting, fertilizing, weeding, mowing, trimming, pruning, raking, debris removal, integrated pest management, irrigation, and customer service, etc. Duties extend to both interior and exterior of Zoo buildings.
• Follow and complete daily/weekly watering schedules for plant collections.
• Daily observation of plant collections to look for signs of disease and pest issues; treat as directed.
• Assess and report needs of plants and grounds areas.
• Be able to identify and care for plant species appropriately on grounds and just outside the perimeter fence.
• Propagation of plants by cuttings, seeds, divisions of plants as assigned.
• Maintains the year-round cleanliness of all paved surfaces and landings including trash/litter removal, debris/leaf removal, removing snow/ice from sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers, and snow shovels, and spread snow melting chemicals.
• Must be able to operate all lawn/garden/grounds equipment including but not limited to pruners, mowers, edgers, string trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, skid loaders, pick-up trucks, dump trucks, street sweeper, snowplows and tractors.
• Assist with preparation of zoo grounds for special events including but not limited to: assisting with table/chair setups and breakdowns for promotions and/or special events.
• Routinely cleans and stocks interior of buildings and restrooms, as well as providing trash and litter pickup throughout grounds daily.
• Cleaning duties may include but are not limited to: completing the janitorial and housekeeping tasks necessary for daily operation of Zoo facilities including washing windows, disinfecting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, wiping, scrubbing, cleaning up spills with appropriate equipment, and cleaning utilizing commercial equipment where necessary. Operate floor cleaning machines as directed.
• Performs pre-start maintenance checks on vehicles and power equipment to ensure safe operation and reports deficiencies according to established procedure.
• Complete assigned work orders.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment and follow all safety protocols.
• Must be able to recognize and report hazards.
• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and DEAI Values.
• Actively participate in trainings and activities aimed at improving job knowledge and safety.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
• Must be able to communicate with guests and staff clearly and effectively.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc.
• Performs other duties/tasks/projects as assigned by the Curator of Horticulture and Grounds or their designees.
The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications, Education and Experience
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability desired.
• Minimum 18 years old.
• Minimum Education – This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of plants, horticultural practices, procedures, and principles including installation and maintenance of landscape material and turf preferred. Associates Degree in Horticulture or similar is recommended.
• Minimum Experience – Demonstrable experience in basic grounds maintenance duties including lawn mowing, weed trimming, planting, plant knowledge/care, pruning, janitorial/custodial tasks, and snow removal, preferred. Demonstrable ability to operate all lawn/garden equipment, tractors, skid loaders, and snowplows preferred. Knowledge of irrigation systems is not required but is helpful.
• Must be able to work both as part of a team and independently. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Proof of negative TB test required upon hire. TB Test conducted annually.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License (non-CDLC or CDL class) and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Must have the flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays and requested overtime as necessary.
• Position is part of the Zoo’s emergency weather team and is expected to report when the Zoo is closed due to weather.
Physical Demands
• Able and willing to perform sustained work of a physical nature, may require heavy lifting.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• A fitness for duty test will be required in order for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
Compensation and benefits
Benefits / Rate of Pay
This is a full-time, CSEA union non-exempt hourly position. Some of the benefits available include health plan, HRA/HSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave, holiday, and sick time benefits. Benefits are available after the successful completion of a probationary period review at 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).
Rate of pay: $20.80 per hour
Application instructions
To apply: please send resume and cover letter in Word document or PDF to:
buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org
Use subject line: Buffalo Zoo Groundskeeper I. Position is open until filled. No telephone calls please. For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website at: http://www.buffalozoo.org
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214-1999