Landscaper (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a dedicated Landscaper to maintain the zoo’s landscaping, horticultural areas, and irrigation systems. The role involves daily upkeep, seasonal planting, and assisting with greenhouse work.

Responsibilities include managing turf, operating gas-powered equipment, and leading volunteer projects. A valid driver's license and the ability to lift 50 pounds are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ground and turf/horticulture certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscaping and horticultural areas, including installation of plant material.
• Maintain perennial and annual plantings and turf management with common equipment.
• Irrigation and supplementary watering; assist with compost pad and waste hauling.
• Lead volunteer projects and support greenhouse maintenance.

Skills

Lawn maintenance

Irrigation knowledge

Equipment operation

Education

HS diploma (or equivalent)

Horticulture certification preferred

Tools

Gas-powered equipment

Mowers/edgers

Skid steer operation

Job description

LANDSCAPER (FULL TIME)

• DEPARTMENT: Horticulture
• CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
• REPORTS TO: Horticulture Manager
• DIRECT REPORTS: N/A
• STARTING PAY: $17.00/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision, the Landscaper is responsible for the daily upkeep and maintenance of the Zoo & Aquarium’s landscaping, horticultural areas, and irrigation.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains Zoo & Aquarium’s landscaping and horticultural areas, including:

   • Installing all types of plant material.
   • Maintaining perennial and annual plantings.
   • Performing turf management, which includes the use of equipment such as a mower, line trimmer, and backpack blower.
   • Weeding, mulching, trimming, leaf clean-up, and general landscape preparation/maintenance.
   • Irrigation and supplementary watering.
   • Hauling herbivore animal waste trailers and assisting with the maintenance of the compost pad.
   • Snow removal.
   • Leading volunteer projects.

   80%

2. Assists with maintenance of a working greenhouse and tropical plant collection.

   20%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Duty percentages are an approximation and may vary based on department needs.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
   1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
   2. Ground and turf/horticulture certification preferred.
2. EXPERIENCE:
   1. 1-3 years’ experience in landscape maintenance or grounds keeping preferred.
   2. Knowledge of and experience using gas powered lawn and horticultural equipment.
3. OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
   1. Must have valid driver’s license.
   2. Must be able to lift 50 pounds with or without assistance. Assistance depending upon task or role.
   3. Must be able to operate gas powered equipment, such as line trimmers, lawn mowers, backpack blowers, chainsaw and edgers.
   4. Must be able to operate heavy machinery, such as skid steer, front end loader, and sky track
   5. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
   6. Must pass a background and drug screening.