Landscaper (Full Time)

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

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a full-time Landscaper to maintain and enhance the zoo’s landscaping, horticultural areas, and irrigation systems. You’ll work under the Horticulture Manager, operate gas-powered equipment, and lead volunteer projects as needed.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, field certification preferred, 1–3 years of landscape maintenance experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift 50 pounds and work in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ground and turf/horticulture certification preferred.
• 1–3 years' landscape maintenance or grounds keeping experience.
• Knowledge of and experience using gas-powered lawn and horticultural equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains Zoo & Aquarium’s landscaping and horticultural areas, including planting and turf management.
• Irrigation maintenance and assisting with compost pad and snow removal.

Skills

Physical stamina

Valid driver’s license

Lift 50 lbs

Volunteer project coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Ground/turf/horticulture certification (preferred)

Tools

Gas-powered lawn equipment

Skid steer/loader operation

Backpack blower operation

Job description

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.

Landscaper (Full Time)

Department: Horticulture

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Horticulture Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Starting Pay: $17.00/Hour

Position Duties & Essential Functions

80% - 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.

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 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

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