Grounds - Senior Groundskeeper (Arborist focus)

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Since opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo has connected an urbanized population in the Chicagoland area with nature and wildlife through its diverse animal collection and flourishing landscape that includes native and nonnative trees. Internationally recognized for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation, the 235-acre cultural institution in the near west suburbs also provides a unique experience for guests to enjoy its more than 100 tree species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is recognized as a Level II accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world's arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing routine and standard Grounds Department duties and functions with minimal or no supervision to enhance the beauty, cleanliness, and aesthetics of the zoological park to contribute to BZC's goal of providing an exceptional guest experience.

In addition, this Sr. Groundskeeper position will be centered around the care and maintenance of both native and nonnative tree species at Brookfield Zoo. The role requires a strong knowledge of arboriculture and a focus on maintaining the health and aesthetics of the zoo's tree collection. Certified Arborist license required. Valid Class "B" CDL driver's license with airbrake endorsements to operate a forestry bucket truck. The anticipated schedule for this position is Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Flexibility in scheduling may be required based on operational needs.

This is a union, regular full-time position, grade U530. The hourly rate for this position is $31.14/hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the union, full-time employee section), and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

• *Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture in accordance with routine departmental operating procedures. Maintains work records as directed. Directs work of groundskeepers, assistant groundskeepers and/or seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment. Coordinates one or more categories or programs of routine work. Develops and performs new skills and procedures as assigned. Trains new hires in duties as required.

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  • Horticultural duties include, but are not limited to, care of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, planting, watering, weeding, mulching, propagation, tilling, lawn care, pruning, fertilization, plant protection from hazardous conditions, pest control, plant selection, design, interior tropical plant maintenance, and other horticultural duties as assigned.
  • General park duties include, but are not limited to, waste disposal, manure collection and disposal, recyclables collection, snowplowing, construction activities, equipment maintenance and repair, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, road repairs, and other general park duties as assigned.
  • Quadrant maintenance duties include, but are not limited to, section cleaning, sweeping, raking, blowing, paper-picking, safety inspection, repair of sentinels, picnic tables and seating benches, inspection and repair of playground equipment, litter/paper pick-up, maintenance of drainage systems, animal yard surface repairs, leaf raking and pick-up, snow and ice removal, pavement power-washing, paver maintenance, minor road cold patching, path mulching, and other duties as required.
  
  
  
  
• *Assists and participates constructively in all departmental activities, including meetings and irregular and emergency assignments.
• *Performs daily inspections of assigned areas and reports to supervisor as necessary with regard to safety issues, needed repairs, or other problems.
• Assists supervisors to develop and implement standard operating procedures for programmatic area(s).
• Other related duties as required

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Minimum 3 years previous grounds maintenance or horticulture experience required.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of irrigation systems may be required.
• Pesticide operator's license may be required.
• Certified arborist license may be required.
• Small engine mechanical repair skills may be required.

• Good communications and interpersonal skills.

• Warm, personable demeanor and customer service orientation.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• One or more of the following licensures may be required: Valid "C" or "B" (CDL) Driver's License.
• Valid medical authorization card required for positions with commercial motor vehicle driving responsibilities.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in Horticulture or related field or four years' equivalent combination of training and/or experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to perform all tasks at a proficient level in this position, including but not limited to: proficiency in the safe and correct use of various hand tools such as rakes, brooms, hoes, shovels, hand pruners, saws, loppers, or other hand tools; correct use of small power equipment such as blowers, mowers, chainsaws, power washers, tillers, edgers, snow blowers, weed whips and other small power tools as assigned; safe and correct use of small tractors, water wagons, plows and brooms, riding mowers and other equipment, and basic operating knowledge of Bobcats, backhoes and other large vehicles or pieces of equipment. Must become familiar with the Severe Weather Emergency plan. The incumbent is expected to provide positive internal and external customer service, working cooperatively with others to achieve departmental and institutional goals. Inform and assist the public. Maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to provide to the public as necessary. Assure work areas and self-represent BZC in a safe, clean, professional and orderly manner at all time. Incumbent is expected to incorporate BZC's mission, vision, and values into daily work performance. The intent of this job description is to describe the principal functions of this position. The description shall not, however, be considered a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or substantially similar duties which may be assigned during normal operations. Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require an employee to take and pass a physical examination to determine the employee's ability to meet the essential functions of the job. This may include vaccinations, blood tests, hearing tests, or other such medical testing or procedures as deemed reasonably necessary for the job and/or required by law.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

000256/022525

Union Full-Time Employees

Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week.

Time away from work: Vacation time is accrued on a per-payroll basis based on an employment anniversary year starting on the date of hire. Unused vacation time does not carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Vacation: Vacation is earned based on the following schedule:

Personal Days: Union employees receive three (3) personal days per year which can be used for any purpose. Advance scheduling is required when foreseeable. Personal days are pro-rated for the first year of employment. Personal days must be used by the end of each calendar year. Any employee with 20 years of service or more receives one additional personal day each year.

Sick Time: Sick time accrues at a rate equivalent to 10 sick days per year. Any employee who does not use sick time during the calendar year is credited with two (2) additional sick days that year. Accumulation of sick time is unlimited.

Holidays: Union employees are eligible for 10 paid holidays per year.

Medical Insurance: BZC pays 100% of the cost of benefits for bargaining unit employees. There is no cost to the employee. Medical insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. One plan is available. A waiver credit is provided for employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins following a 90-day waiting period. Coverage continues for 90 days after the employee's date of separation. Employees can also cover their spouse and child(ren) under age 27.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term disability benefits are provided through the Teamsters union, for up to 26 weeks, if you are unable to work. Long-Term disability benefits are provided through Brookfield Zoo Chicago for up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life insurance is provided through the Teamsters union. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Voluntary Benefits:

- Group Accident Insurance

- Group Critical Illness Insurance

- Identity Theft Protection

• Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America