Seasonal Garden Services Team Member (6 Months)

Philadelphia Zoo - Full-time; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to animal care and education! As a Garden Services team member, you will play an essential role in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the Zoo's grounds. Your responsibilities will include routine custodial tasks, assisting with events, and ensuring a welcoming environment for guests. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant setting, surrounded by nature and wildlife, while contributing to the mission of conservation and education. If you are a dedicated individual with a passion for service and the outdoors, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Family membership pass with complimentary tickets

Qualifications

• Prior work experience in housekeeping or grounds keeping preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness of the garden and buildings including sweeping, mopping, and trash removal.
• Assist with snow and leaf removal, and set up/break down for events.

Skills

Guest relations

Housekeeping

Grounds keeping

Ability to follow instructions

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Custodial equipment

Grounds keeping equipment

Backpack sprayer

Leaf blower

Job description

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Seasonal (6 Months) Garden Services team members who operate under the direct supervision of a Garden Services Manager. Performs routine custodial tasks to maintain the cleanliness of indoor and/or outdoor public areas, administrative areas and service areas. Assists with snow and leaf removal, mulching, weeding, drain cleaning, power washing, event set up and break down, office moves, public and administrative building cleaning, restrooms cleaning, litter sweep and trash pull inside and outside perimeter of the zoo also from zoo parking garage to the zoo and other tasks involving manual labor.

What You Will Do:

1. Performs tasks to maintain cleanliness of the Garden and buildings including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, emptying trashcans, wiping tables, squeegee windows, hosing/power washing, vacuuming, dusting, recycling, and picking up litter in and around picnic areas, plazas, paths, parking lots, buildings and all other indoor and/or outdoor locations throughout the Zoo.
2. May be assigned to perform simple round around zoo operations tasks and/or seasonal tasks, including but not limited to, leaf removal, snow and ice removal, and drain cleaning.
3. May be assigned to operate equipment such as electrostatic and/or hand pump sprayer to help with disinfection of hard surfaces such as windows, tables & chairs, signage, railings, restroom fixtures and building spaces that are deemed high touch areas.
4. May be assigned to check and stock hand sanitizer dispensers and hard surface wipe containers. Replace batteries if necessary.
5. May be assigned to assist with refuse collection throughout the Zoo and in/around exterior parking lots and/or perimeter streets.
6. May assist in set-up/break-down of tables, chairs and deployment of signage to support indoor and/or outdoor events. Also maintains cleanliness of event location before, during and after event.
7. May be assigned to use industrial strength chemicals to scrub toilets, sinks, floors and walls as needed at all building locations. Routinely maintains active supply of toilet paper, paper towels, soap and trash bags in visitor and/or staff receptacles and dispensers.
8. Moves furniture, office equipment, boxes, and/or supplies as assigned.
9. Is responsible for properly signing out/in all Garden Department equipment including but not limited to radios, leaf removal tools, snow removal tools, custodial implements and supplies, power tools, etc. as assigned. Is responsible for condition of all equipment assigned. Must return such equipment in like condition as assigned and report any operating difficulties or equipment damage to supervisor immediately.
10. Attends work as scheduled and follows appropriate procedures when reporting lateness or absence. Is expected to maintain an excellent attendance record.
11. Routinely assists guests. Answers questions and provides information to guests in a manner that is welcoming and encourages repeat visits; handles complaints and resolves problems in a manner that is helpful, polite and accurate. Is consistently helpful to guests and other employees.

What This Role Requires:

1. High school or equivalent preferred. Prior work experience required. General knowledge of housekeeping and grounds keeping equipment and products preferred.
2. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and communicate effectively with guests, supervisors, co-workers, etc.
3. Strong guest relations and service excellence orientation. Ability to maintain composure and service standards under pressure. Patient.
4. Ability to work independently with general supervision.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
6. Professional appearance and manner; friendly; well groomed.
7. Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time.
8. Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, evenings and holidays.
9. Valid driver’s license preferred, but not required.

Physical And Medical Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a medical screening and drug test prior to starting work.
2. No allergies related to plants or animals that would interfere with the ability to work.
3. Ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
4. Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds a distance of 25 feet.
5. Must be able to wear a backpack sprayer and/or leaf blower weighing up to 25 pounds on your back for long periods of time.
6. May come into contact with pesticides, fertilizers or cleaning agents. Must wear protective equipment including but not limited to gloves, hat, goggles, back brace, etc.

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learner
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)