Salary: $24.77 - $30.82 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Represented
Job Number: ZooMaintLabCust2024.3
Department: Zoological and Environmental Education
Opening Date: 06/11/2024
Closing Date: 6/25/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $24.77 per hour.
The full-hourly range for this position is $24.77 - $30.82 hourly.
Work where you play!
Join our team at Metro Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Metro Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70 parks, 80 miles of trails, 1,000 acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Metro Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Metro Parks are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Under the direction of the Operations or Assistant Operations Manager, perform a variety of zoo custodial duties, minor facility repairs and grounds duties. This position may also provide work direction to seasonal staff.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties
Perform custodial and cleanup functions as required; clean restrooms, toilets, sinks,
mirrors, inside/outside walls, drains and gutters . Perform annual deep cleaning.
Mow, rake, edge, weed, fertilize and water lawns, gardens and related zoo grounds areas.
Plant, fertilize, water, trim and prune shrubs, trees and flowers as assigned.
Sweep, blow or shovel debris from walks and driveways; gather and remove trash from grounds.
Prepare rooms or facilities for special functions; move furniture, equipment and other objects as required.
Sweep, mop, and clean floors; vacuum carpets and rugs. Perform deep cleaning of carpets semiannually.
Learn the safe operation of equipment such as backpack blowers, weed eaters, mowers, edger, carpet extractor, buffer, vacuums and golf cart.
Install/remove seasonal lighting exhibits; remove and replace light bulbs.Operate all types of cleaning equipment, forklift, highlift or other specialized equipment.
Assist zoo maintenance workers in the installation and maintenance of furniture, fences, playground equipment, cabinets, and shelving.
Assist in general maintenance, repair, and construction work in the various maintenance trades, including carpentry, plumbing, HVAC and painting.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington driver's license with acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays.

• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency within probationary period.
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain job specific training as required.

Additional Information
This position is a represented position with the International Union of Operating Engineers.
ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor and outdoor environment.
  
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
  
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
  
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions
  
• Noise from equipment operation.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
  
• Bending at the waist.
  
• Pushing and pulling maintenance supplies and equipment
  
• .Lifting and moving furniture and objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
  
• Climbing ladders.
  
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
  
• Climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps.
  
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate hand and power tools and equipment.
  
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
  
• Heavy physical labor.

HAZARDS:

• Working at heights on ladders or scaffolding.
  
• Working with and around machinery having moving parts.
  
• Exposure to fertilizer fumes, pollen and dust.
  
• Fumes from vehicle and equipment operation.
  
• Chemical fumes

KNOWLEDGE OF:
•Modern cleaning methods including basic methods of cleaning and preserving floors, carpets, furniture, walls and fixtures.
•Basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding.
•Methods, equipment and materials used in building and grounds maintenance care.
•Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment.
•Basic materials, equipment and terminology used in the maintenance trades.
ABILITY TO:
•Learn procedures, methods and schedules.
•Use tools and equipment common to the maintenance trade.
•Maintain Zoo facilities in a clean, safe and secure condition.
•Move and arrange furniture and equipment for meetings and special events.
•Perform general grounds maintenance duties including mowing, edging and weeding.
•Assist others in specialized grounds keeping activities.
•Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, flower beds, and other landscaped areas.
•Assist other maintenance personnel in the maintenance and repair of Zoo buildings and facilities and grounds.
•Perform general maintenance and repair on Zoo furniture, buildings, fixtures and facilities.
•Learn safe operation of a wide variety of power equipment related to the building trades and grounds maintenance work.
•Interpret rules and regulations.
•Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
•Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
•Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
•Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
•Take initiative with minimal supervision.
•Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
•Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
•Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
•Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
•Report for work regularly and on time.
METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .

Employment is subject to a national background check.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Metro Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, ICMA,WA State Deferred Comp Program and Mass Mutual.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Did you know... Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:

• Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the benefits summaries for more information.
• An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the benefits summaries for more information.
• Tax Free Health Accounts: MPT offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Metro Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
• Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL MPT employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
• Checking Out All That MPT Offers the Community: We are bringing back the Familiarization Pass in 2022 - Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District. More information to come!
• Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows MPT to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
• Taking a Break: All MPT employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
• Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. MPT employees can contribute to the Legacy Campaign through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a Day of Service with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.
• Family Support: Kinside helps you find the childcare you need to make work, work. Browse Kinside's nationwide network for up-to-date openings at daycares, preschools, camps and after school programs you'll love.

Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01

Please explain, in detail, your specific experience and skill sets as it relates to this position.
02

This position requires the ability to work a variety of schedules as needed. Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04

Please indicate if you have any driving tickets, accidents and/or infractions listed on your abstract of complete driving record? (Please note: if selected for further review you may be required to provide a complete driving abstract).
Required Question