Grounds - Assistant Groundskeeper

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This is a union full-time position, grade U550. The hourly rate for this position is $26.38/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.

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 fall/winter and from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the spring/summer. The anticipated schedule for this position is the late shift. For special events such as evening concerts in the summer and Holiday Magic in December the late shift is typically 12:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Scheduled days off for all shifts are typically Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by performing routine and standard Grounds duties and functions in accordance with standard operating procedures under supervision in order to meet operating needs to contribute to the cleanliness, beauty and aesthetics of the park and provide an exceptional guest experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

1. * Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture as assigned. Maintains work records as directed. Occasionally directs work of seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the appropriate use of safety equipment.
   
   
   
   • 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 and other duties as required, 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.
   
   
   
   

2. * Assists and participates constructively in all departmental activities, including but not limited to meetings and non-routine and emergency assignments.

3. * Performs daily inspections of assigned areas and reports to supervisor, as necessary, with regard to safety issues, needed repairs, or other issues.

4. Inform and assist the public. Maintain an awareness of park schedules and activities to provide to the public as necessary. Other related duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems may be required.
• Pesticide operator's license may be required within one year of hire.
• Certified arborist license may be required within one year.

• English fluency at professional working proficiency required.
• Good communications and interpersonal skills.

• Reliable, dependable individual. Flexible.
• Warm, personable demeanor and customer service orientation.
• One or more of the following licensures may be required within 6 months of hire: Valid "C" or "B" (CDL) Driver's License.
• A valid driver's license is required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture desirable.
• 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 acquire knowledge and skills needed to perform all tasks at a satisfactory level (or above) in this position within one year of hire. Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in areas, including but not limited to: developing 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 and backhoes. 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. 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.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

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

000574/121124

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