Grounds Keeper

Pay Rate: $20.02 per hour

Position Summary 

Groundskeepers play an important role in making the Zoo a pleasant and enjoyable place for our guests and animals by carefully maintaining the Zoo Grounds and Rental Facilities. They provide thoughtful and responsive customer service to internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, park visitors, contractors etc.) guests while enjoying the fresh air and scenic splendor of our 100 acre property. 

Essential Job Duties 

• Maintain plants, shrubs, trees, lawns, parking areas and public pathways. 
• Manage weed abatement and trash pick-up. 
• Set up for Zoo special events and prepare spaces for parties/meetings in rental facilities. 
• Operate tools and machinery as needed to perform duties.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned. 

Who You Are 

• Able to safely operate heavy machinery and small power tools. 
• Able to read and interpret complex instructions and manuals 
• Active Class C Driver’s License with a clean DMV record (able to obtain authorization to drive from Zoo’s insurance provider) 
• Skilled in safe use of tools and equipment associated with landscaping and grounds.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 75 pounds or more. 
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust. 
• Able to bend and twist, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts 
• Able to work weekends and early morning shifts 

Bonus if you 

• Have previous Grounds and/or landscaping experience 
• Possess a High School Diploma/GED or BA degree 

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities 
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued. 
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife 
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access  

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

Salary : $20