Grounds - Senior Groundskeeper

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!

This is a union full-time hourly position, grade U530 with a pay rate of $32.08 / hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org / custom.czs / files / 06 / 06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the union, full-time employee section) and / or refer to the b enefit details provided below after the job description information.

The anticipated work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday from 6 : 00 a.m. to 2 : 30 p.m. Flexibility in scheduling may be required based on operational needs. Valid Class "B" CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement required to operate garbage truck.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing routine and standard Grounds Department duties and functions with minimal or no supervision to enhance the beauty, cleanliness, and aesthetics of the zoological park to contribute to BZC's goal of providing an exceptional guest experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture in accordance with routine departmental operating procedures. Maintains work records as directed. Directs work of groundskeepers, assistant groundskeepers and / or seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment. Coordinates one or more categories or programs of routine work. Develops and performs new skills and procedures as assigned. Trains new hires in duties as required.
• 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.
• Assists supervisors to develop and implement standard operating procedures for programmatic area(s).
• Other related duties as required
• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

DESIRABLE / PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION : This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to perform all tasks at a proficient level in this position, including but not limited to : proficiency in the safe and correct use of various hand tools such as rakes, brooms, hoes, shovels, hand pruners, saws, loppers, or other hand tools; correct use of small power equipment such as blowers, mowers, chainsaws, power washers, tillers, edgers, snow blowers, weed whips and other small power tools as assigned; safe and correct use of small tractors, water wagons, plows and brooms, riding mowers and other equipment, and basic operating knowledge of Bobcats, backhoes and other large vehicles or pieces of equipment. Must become 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 institutional goals. Inform and assist the public. Maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to provide to the public as necessary. Assure work areas and self-represent BZC in a safe, clean, professional and orderly manner at all time. Incumbent is expected to incorporate BZC's mission, vision, and values into daily work performance. The intent of this job description is to describe the principal functions of this position. The description shall not, however, be considered a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or substantially similar duties which may be assigned during normal operations. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and / or required by law.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS : See Occupational Requirements Form.

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We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility : Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week.

Time away from work : Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire. Unused vacation time does not carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Vacation : Vacation is earned based on the following schedule :

Years of Service

New hire-5 years

5+ years

10+ years

15+ years

Vacation

Personal Days : Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Advance scheduling is required when foreseeable. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Any employee with 20 years of service or more receives one additional personal day each year.

Sick Time : Sick time accrues at a rate equivalent to 10 sick days per year. Any employee who does not usesick time during the calendar year is credited with two (2) additional sick days that year. Accumulation of sick time is unlimited.

Holidays : Union employees are eligible for 10 paid holidays per year.

1.

New Year's Day

2.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

3.

President's Day

4.

Memorial Day

5.

Juneteenth

6.

Independence Day

7.

Labor Day

8.

Veteran's Day

9.

Thanksgiving Day

10 .

Christmas Day

Medical Insurance : BZC pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee's date of separation. Employees can also cover their spouse and child(ren) under age 27.

Retirement Savings : A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and / or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection : Short-Term disability benefits are provided through the Teamsters union, for up to 26 weeks, if you are unable to work. Long-Term disability benefits are provided through Brookfield Zoo Chicago for up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Voluntary Benefits :

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Tuition Reimbursement

Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Blackhawk Work Perks

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

The laminated pass entitles the employee to free parking and admission to the Zoo and paid attractions. The card also extends the same privileges to the employee's immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, children, and parents).

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and / or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused / unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle / upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library : Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and / or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.