Seasonal Laborer - Sunset Zoo

City of Manhattan, Kansas; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Job summary

City of Manhattan, Kansas is seeking Seasonal Laborers to maintain grounds and facilities. Duties include mowing, irrigation, pruning, equipment operation, and record-keeping. Work is outdoors and indoors with exposure to extreme heat, requiring safety compliance and punctuality.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and being 18 years or older. Preference is given to candidates with up to six months of grounds maintenance experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• Eighteen (18) years or older.
• Six (6) months experience in grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Assists with general labor duties related to grounds maintenance and equipment maintenance such as mowing, painting, weed eating, janitorial duties, light brush and tree trimming, and other miscellaneous tasks assigned.
• Performs proper horticultural practices including irrigation, fertilization, weed control, planting and pruning.
• Uses and wears applicable personal protective equipment required in hazardous environments and emergency situations.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment including riding lawn mower, push lawn mower, weed eater, saws, basic hand tools and a truck pulling a trailer.
• Operates a vehicle, such as dump trucks, one-ton service trucks, or tractors as needed.
• Ensures all division equipment and vehicles are in proper operating condition to safely perform tasks prior to use.
• Maintains records, maintenance logs, and activity records via the use of mobile and stationary electronic devices.
• Communicates orally and in writing, including using the telephone and two-way radio.
• Represents the City of Manhattan professionally and courteously with the public and other City employees.
• Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or department.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Grounds maintenance experience

Age 18+

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable

Description

(Seasonal, Non-Exempt)

Starting Wage: $15.00/hour

Closing Date: July 20, 2026

How to Apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application. For general questions about the position, contact Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757.

Position Purpose

Seasonal Laborers maintain City of Manhattan grounds and facilities by performing various maintenance duties.

Essential Functions

• Assists with general labor duties related to grounds maintenance and equipment maintenance such as mowing, painting, weed eating, janitorial duties, light brush and tree trimming, and other miscellaneous tasks assigned.
• Performs proper horticultural practices including irrigation, fertilization, weed control, planting and pruning.
• Uses and wears applicable personal protective equipment required in hazardous environments and emergency situations.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment including riding lawn mower, push lawn mower, weed eater, saws, basic hand tools and a truck pulling a trailer.
• Operates a vehicle, such as dump trucks, one-ton service trucks, or tractors as needed.
• Ensures all division equipment and vehicles are in proper operating condition to safely perform tasks prior to use. This includes but is not limited to, assisting in general equipment maintenance, adhering to maintenance schedules, checking oil levels, changing/sharpening blades, lubricating equipment, and performing safety inspections.
• Maintains records, maintenance logs, and activity records via the use of mobile and stationary electronic devices such as computers, tablets, etc.
• Communicates orally and in writing, including using the telephone and two-way radio.
• Represents the City of Manhattan professionally and courteously with the public and other City employees.
• Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or department.
• Comprehends and learns standardized work procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Additional Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Eighteen (18) years or older.

Preferred Knowledge And Skills

• Six (6) months experience in grounds maintenance.

Other Information

• This is not a KPERS covered position.
• Shift/Workdays and Hours Varies.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work facilities include the Sunset Zoo and all other assigned facilities.
• Work is performed inside and outside. When working outside, extreme heat and direct sun could expose the staff to various atmospheric conditions.
• Noise level and activity level will be varied.
• Stands, walks, sits, uses hands, handles, feels, speaks, hears, climbs stairs, pushes, pulls, or lifts up to 50 pounds.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.