Zoo Society Billable 1 - Park Worker I,II - Zoo

City of Abilene

Abilene (TX)

On-site

USD 17,000 - 25,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

City of Abilene seeks a Park Worker II to maintain gardens, landscaped areas, and greenhouse plants at the Abilene Zoo. You will water, prune, plant, weed, and assist with irrigation and hardscape work, using a range of equipment.

The role includes supervising volunteers in the absence of the Horticulturist and delivering high-quality customer service to guests and staff. A Texas driver’s license is required within 90 days of employment.

Qualifications

Previous experience in grounds/garden maintenance or related manual work is preferred.
Formal or informal reading and writing ability is required.
Willingness to learn to operate basic and heavier landscape equipment.

Responsibilities

Water and fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants; trim and prune as needed.
Plant and transplant trees, shrubs and other plants; remove weeds and debris.
Assist with irrigation installation/repair and garden edging; operate power tools.
Provide customer service to zoo guests and assist other departments as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Equipment operation

Plant identification basics

Tools

Irrigation controllers

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to perform manual work involved in the maintenance of gardens, landscaped areas, potted plants and greenhouse plants.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Park Worker I exercises no supervision.

Park Worker II may perform as a lead worker of temporary or part time employees and volunteers.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Water and fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants; trim and prune trees and shrubs; prepare ground for planting; plant and transplant trees, shrubs, and other plants.

Pull weeds, remove debris and apply mulch to gardens and other landscaped areas.

Sweep and clean sidewalks; pick up litter.

Assist with light construction work such as irrigation installation and repair and installation of garden edging or hard landscape such as ornamental sculptures or rocks.

Operate various types and sizes of equipment such as weed eaters, gators, and power tools.

Assist other zoo departments and zoo guests as needed or as assigned to provide the highest level of customer service.

Park Worker II

Operate larger maintenance and construction equipment such as front loader backhoe, larger area mowers, and lift bucket.

Provide worksite supervision of other zoo horticulture employees or volunteers in the absence of the Zoo Horticulturist.

Perform minor pesticide or herbicide applications under the direction and supervision of the Horticulturist.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Methods, materials, and equipment used in plant and landscape maintenance work.

Occupational hazards and safety precautions of general maintenance work

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Learn to operate a variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles including a pick-up truck, edger, chain saw, string trimmer, and brush chipper.

Occupational hazards and safety precautions of plant and landscape maintenance work

Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Distinguish desirable plants from undesirable plants.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Park Worker II

Knowledge of:

Operating irrigation controllers.

Skill to:

Learn to operate a variety of heavier, more technical equipment including front loader, backhoe, lift bucket, and large area mower.

Ability to:

Identify 80% of the major landscape plants, pests and their symptoms, and weeds found in the Abilene Zoo landscapes, and have some familiarity with their culture.

Perform calculations and organize information to accurately complete reports.

Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Park Worker I

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Previous experience in grounds/garden maintenance or related manual work is preferred.

Education/Training:

Formal or informal education or training, which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver's license: the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Park Worker II

One (1) year experience equivalent to that of a Park Worer I in the City of Abilene is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Bloodborne Pathogen training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.

The ability to work in conditions ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold in a variety of weather types is required.

Exposure to noise, outdoors, vibration, chemicals, and mechanical hazards.

With or without accommodation, the "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:

The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E Standing

_I Sitting

_E Walking

_M Lifting

_M Carrying