Grounds - 2025 Groundskeeper (CMV) (Seasonal)

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BASIC FUNCTION :

The Seasonal Groundskeeper (CMV driving position) contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing routine and standard Grounds duties and functions, such as park clean-up, paper picking, lawn mowing, waste removal, mulching, etc., with supervision in accordance with routine operating procedures in order to meet operating needs and to contribute to the cleanliness, beauty, and aesthetics of the park to meet operating needs and provide an exceptional guest experience.

This is a seasonal union hourly position, grade U710 with a pay rate of $15.00 per hour. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org / custom.czs / files / 06 / 06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the union, seasonal employee section) and / or refer to the b enefit details provided below after the job description information.

Minimum age of 18 and valid driver's license required. Brookfield Zoo is open 363 days a year including weekends and holidays. The timeframe for this position is typically April - December . The work schedule for this position typically consists of 5 days / 40 hours per week . Seasonal Groundskeepers are assigned to work an early shift schedule or a late shift schedule. The early shift is typically from 6 : 00 a.m. to 2 : 30 p.m. The late shift is typically from 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. in the spring / fall and from 9 : 30 a.m. to 6 : 00 p.m. during the summer. For special events that take place at various times throughout the year, the work schedule is typically 12 : 30 p.m. - 9 : 00 p.m. Scheduled days off for all shifts are typically Friday / Saturday or Sunday / Monday. Scheduled shifts are assigned based on the needs of the operation.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

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

Seasonal groundskeepers are expected to perform a variety of duties that may include any or all of the following. Specific assignments will vary depending upon the nature of the work performed and / or specific area(s) or tasks assigned.

• Performs general park cleaning duties as directed by supervisor, including collection of garbage and recyclable materials, grounds clean up, paper picking, and / or washing garbage cans.
• Assists in horticultural tasks as directed, including mowing lawns, watering, weeding, mulching, planting, and other horticultural duties as assigned.
• Assists in grounds maintenance tasks including sweeping, raking; blowing; paper picking; repair of sentinels, seating benches and other small repairs as assigned; cleaning out drain inlets and moats; mulching pathways; patching roads; and / or other maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Properly operates and maintains assigned equipment including lawn mowers, blowers, weed whips, small tractors, pick-up and dump trucks, hand tools, and other equipment as required.
• Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment. Inspects work areas for safety hazards and reports such to supervisor.
• Works cooperatively with others to achieve departmental and BZC goals. Advises supervisor of client needs. Attends meetings as assigned.
• Informs and assists guests in a courteous and welcoming manner. Maintains an awareness of park schedules and activities in order to provide information to the public as necessary.
• Assures work, equipment, work areas, and self represent BZC in a safe, clean, professional and orderly manner at all times.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS :

DESIRABLE / PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

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. Incumbent must learn Brookfield Zoo Chicago and department operations and procedures, the park physical layout, and the Grounds work areas. The Seasonal Groundskeeper position requires a flexible, dependable, motivated, and results-oriented individual. Incumbents must be able to work under pressure, effectively handle emergent issues, and deal effectively with other staff in a tactful and professional manner. Incumbents are expected to gain a clear understanding of BZC's mission, vision and values and to incorporate this into daily work performance. Must support the mission and vision of BZC as a conservation organization and demonstrate the values of cooperation, responsibility, and involvement. Must be reliable and able and willing to work non-standard hours such as weekends and holidays. Seasonal Groundskeepers must supply their own steel-toed work boots, which must be worn at all times when working.

BENEFITS INFORMATION :

www.brookfieldzoo.org / custom.czs / files / 06 / 06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits. Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Seasonal Employees

Mental Health : Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24 / 7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

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.

Other Benefits & Perks for All Employees (unless otherwise noted)

Advanced Inquiry Degree Program

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has partnered with Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio to bring an exciting Master's degree program to the Chicagoland area. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience, allowing participants to take classes from Miami University faculty. Enrollment is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, regardless of academic major or profession. This program is designed for teachers and other education professionals.

BZC University

The Zoo offers a variety of training, both on-site and via virtual classes and e-learning through Brookfield Zoo Chicago University at no cost to employees, including professional development, skill-building courses, conservation topics, zoo and animal-related topics, safety, leadership development, wellness, and much more. Instructors include guest speakers, staff presenters, and outside trainers.

Tuition Reimbursement

Regular, full-time non-union employees who have at least one year of seniority are eligible to apply for reimbursement of tuition expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Access Credit Union

Employees are eligible immediately upon employment to participate in the credit union. The minimum balance is $5. Savings are insured up to $100,000, and savings accounts, new and used car loans, personal loans, student loans, and much more are available.

Blackhawk Work Perks

Special offers on Chicago Blackhawks games. Tickets start at $30.

Discounted Membership at Loyola Center for Fitness

Corporate discount members receive $0 enrollment and 25% off individual dues. Monthly pricing is subject to the number of people on the membership.

Discounted Day Care

Discounted day care is available through a partnership with KinderCare Education to provide discounted childcare benefits for employees. Covered brands include KinderCare Learning Centers, Children's Creative Learning Center, Inc. (CCLC), and Champions before and after-school care programs. Employees with children enrolled at a participating center save 10% on childcare tuition for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years available at over 100 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Employee Discounts

Employees may benefit from "Working Advantage," an employee discount program, which offers a wide variety of discounts to staff.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Discounts are available to staff members through Enterprise-Rent-A-Care for their personal use.

Free Flu Vaccines

Each year the Zoo offers free, on-site flu vaccinations to all full-time and regular part-time employees.

Free Admission and Parking

Free admission and parking privileges are provided to Non-Union Full-Time Employees and Union Full-Time Employees only and their immediate family members of BZC employees who have completed the required paperwork.

Free Admission to Other Cultural Institutions

The Zoo has reciprocal agreements with other major Chicagoland cultural institutions which allow employees and certain guests to receive free admission and / or parking pursuant to BZC's policy.

Free Notary Public Service

Several staff are commissioned Notary Publics and provide free notary services to BZC staff.

Freebie Table

Consistent with our conservation ethic, we have a "Freebie" table where staff can place unused / unwanted items that still have value for other staff members to claim. This has been a great way to recycle / upcycle by making unused items available to others.

Little Free Library : Take a Book. Share a Book.

The Zoo has a "Little Free Library" book exchange. If an employee sees a book they would like to read, they can take it, or they may donate a book they have finished. When they are done, they can return it to the Little Free Library or leave it at another Little Free Library location for others to enjoy.

Zoo Day Camp Discount

Zoo staff who register their child(ren) for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago receive a discounted price for a week of camp for each child registered. The discount is limited to immediate family members only (grandchildren included). Lunch and T-shirts are not discounted.

Zoo Discounts

Employee discounts are available on BZC gift shop and restaurant purchases, including 25 cent drinks when the Zoo-issued drink cup is used.

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and / or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.