Grounds and Maintenance Staff (Seasonal)

Lincoln Park Zoological Society; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to Lincoln Park Zoo

Free on-site parking

Employee discounts and benefits

Training and development programs

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking a custodial professional to support cleanliness and safety across park facilities. You will operate a variety of cleaning equipment and perform tasks in restrooms, offices, animal buildings, and event spaces, ensuring a high standard of guest experience.

Responsibilities include waste disposal, floor care, inventory of supplies, and assisting with event setup and breakdown. The role requires physical stamina and the ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in custodial or facilities tasks preferred.
• Ability to operate cleaning equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform general custodial cleaning across park facilities.
• Operate and maintain cleaning equipment safely and reporting needed repairs.
• Monitor safety hazards and coordinate with supervisors.
• Restrooms, offices, animal buildings cleaning duties as assigned.
• Assist with setup for events and support load-in/load-out as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Professional demeanor

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cleaning equipment knowledge

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This person contributes to the success of the Lincoln Park Zoological Society by performing routine duties and functions in order to meet the cleanliness, beauty and aesthetic requirements of the park to help provide an exceptional guest experience. They will have a strong focus on safety which will be utilized while they operate a variety of equipment such as leaf blowers, power washers, and other equipment as required. This person will be expected to complete tasks as assigned by Management while also being responsible for the following tasks:

• Perform general custodial cleaning duties as directed by supervisor, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, dusting, waste collection, rug cleaning, paper picking, laundering, etc. Assigned work areas may include all sections of the park: restrooms, restaurants, lunchrooms, offices, laboratories and hospital, animal buildings, conference rooms and meeting areas, security, etc.
• Properly operate and maintain assigned equipment including mops and buckets, brooms and other hand tools, vacuum cleaners, scrubbers, rug cleaning equipment, laundry equipment, and other equipment as required, reporting needed repairs to direct lead or supervisor.
• Observes appearances and conditions of premises; reports needed repairs, safety hazards, or conditions requiring outside vendor services
• Gathers and disposes of waste materials by hand or with use of powered equipment
• Performs general and heavy cleaning duties with the appropriate approved chemicals. Properly cleans and / or disposes of bio-hazardous waste. Wears the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
• Follows specific open/closing procedures for buildings, ensuring that buildings are properly secured before and after shift.
• Scrubs, strips, sanitizes, waxes, and buffs floors using powered machines equipped with rotating brushes
• Polishes furniture, metal work, and chrome using appropriate cleaning and polishing compounds
• Maintains an inventory of cleaning and toiletry supplies, communicating needs to lead and/or supervisor
• Washes walls, ceilings, woodwork, windows, mirrors, and fixtures using both step and folding ladders
• Cleans grounds and parking lots of litter, weeds, glass, or other debris
• Loads and unloads supplies, and moves heavy furniture and equipment using dollies, handcarts, or power equipment
• Uses equipment to shampoos carpets, floor mats and other flooring materials
• Replaces toilet paper and paper towels and soap
• Perform basic maintenance on toilet paper dispensers, paper towel dispensers, and soap dispensers
• Perform specific specialty cleaning projects throughout zoo
• Empty trash and recycling throughout buildings and zoo grounds and dispose of into proper containers as well as transporting, loading, and unloading dumpsters at the compactor
• Work with zoo staff and/or outside vendor to successfully perform snow and leaf removal using shovels, rakes, salt spreaders, and other powered equipment as needed.
• Perform the set-up of tents other structures, signage, staging, etc. related to events as directed by supervisor.
• Perform setup and breakdown of indoor/outdoor tables and chairs as well as patio tables and chairs throughout the zoo.
• Perform setups as required for various events including moving objects as needed to clear spaces, transporting and storing audio-visual equipment specifically managed by Grounds and Maintenance.
• Perform basic hanging of aesthetic material including but not limited to signage and decorations.
• Assist with the installation and removal of landscape stakes and temporary fencing / barricades throughout the zoo.
• Performs occasional cleaning or laundering of event related equipment and/or supplies.
• Provide assistance to vendors and other departments during load in, setup, execution, and teardown processes for special events, programs, and/or promotions.
• Performs duty as a driver of zoo related equipment for various functions including events and daily activities
• Delivering items, organizing and storing in various locations across grounds
• Serves as liaison to other zoo departments; promotes good public relations; interacts with guests on grounds; and performs other duties as assigned
• May be called on to perform duties of subordinates or co-workers, as required to facilitate Facilities operations during vacations, sick leave, and other absences.
• Learn to safely operate golf carts
• Performs related work as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the zoo’s mission and philosophy
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse groups. Tactful, mature.
• Ability to represent the Society in a professional manner at all times
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
• Ability to work cooperatively and timely in a team situation
• Ability to work on ladders and scaffolding
• Ability to sweep, rake and generally clean flat roofs throughout the zoo
• Ability to replace soap dispensers, toilet paper holders, and batteries in any devices

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma or comparable combination of education, experience, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify individuals.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience completing similar tasks at another institution of similar size and reputation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to respond to emergencies
• Must be physically able to exert up to 50 lbs. of force on a regular basis to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• The employee will be exposed frequently to outside, potentially adverse, weather conditions.
• The employee will be regularly exposed to water, solvents, and potentially loud noises.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate all specialized equipment used to move and lift supplies hand trucks, electric cart
• Ability to exercise safe work habits in proximity of potentially dangerous animals and equipment including risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record is required
• Non-infectious TB status

Schedule:

AM Shift: 6a-10a

PM Shift: 3p-7p

OUR PROMISE

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and "LPZooU" training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Rate

$17.05/hr.