JOB DESCRIPTION: Zoo Groundskeeper

DEPARTMENT: Facility Services

LOCATION: Primarily stationed at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Work will require travel to Serengeti Springs Waterpark and other bordering ancillary properties.

SHIFT: Full Time – Generally 40 hours per week on a schedule requiring Monday - Friday, with occasional weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Zoo Groundskeeper is accountable for ensuring landscape areas under his/her care are maintained at a high standard for Zoo guests. The Zoo Groundskeeper is responsible for the landscaping and routine maintenance of the Hattiesburg Zoo, Serengeti Springs Waterpark and surrounding properties. A variety of practical skills as a groundskeeper, including landscaping, horticulture, and gardening can be utilized in this position.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Basic grounds maintenance/landscaping procedures including mowing, edging, raking, and weeding.

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  Pick up and remove trash and debris from the property and dispose of it appropriately on a daily basis.

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  Be able to follow instructions regarding the use of chemicals and supplies.

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  Maintains and troubleshoot irrigation systems.

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  Coordinates with Animal Care Department to landscape animal exhibits and enclosures.

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  Participates in preparing and grading terrain, applying fertilizers, seeding and sodding lawns, transplanting shrubs and plants, using manual and power operated equipment.

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  Plants and cultivates lawns and plants using seed mixtures and fertilizers recommended for particular soil type and location.

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  Trims shrubs and cultivates plant beds.

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  Sprays trees and shrubs, and applies liquid and dry nutrients appropriately.

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  May install drain lines and make repairs to asphalt, concrete walks or driveways as needed.

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  Conducts routine maintenance of outdoor furniture and fixtures, including railings, fire lanes, parking lot striping, fountains, etc.

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  Conducts daily inspection of areas of responsibility before meeting with Lead Groundskeeper.

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  Carries an operational two-way radio at all times.

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  Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Lead Groundskeeper.

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  Landscaping staff shall be prepared to interact with other facility personnel and shall be able to advise other facility personnel as required regarding maintenance procedures of the facility.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and Skills:

• Performs routine and repetitive tasks without immediate supervision.

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  General equipment and preventative maintenance knowledge.

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  Knowledge and skill in general grounds maintenance.

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  Demonstrates good oral communication.

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  Ability to anticipate and effectively deal with a significantly large number of details with concurrent and overlapping deadlines for completion.

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  Must be able to follow instructions.

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  Must be able to read and write.

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  Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with fellow staff, facility users and outside contractors.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

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  Minimum one (1) year commercial grounds keeping experience of an appropriate nature, including commercial and/or residential landscape maintenance.

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  Knowledge of basic landscaping equipment (mowers, weed eaters, trimmers, etc.)

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to seventy five

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  Body mobility to walk, kneel, crouch, and bend in order to physically provide maintenance

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  Able to climb ladders up to 30 feet high

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  Sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools

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  Sufficient strength to lift and carry equipment, supplies, and materials required in performance of routine maintenance activities

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  Stamina to stand while doing physical labor

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  Tolerance to work under adverse conditions such as among dust, dirt, cleaning agent odors, and outdoors in heat and cold

Essential Job Qualification

• Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.

BENEFITS:

• 457(b) with company match
• Health insurance (company paid)
• Dental insurance (company paid)
• Vision insurance (company paid)
• Life Insurance (company paid)
• Long term disability insurance (company paid)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Holidays
• Paid time off