Zoo Maintenance Worker I/II/III – Potter Park Zoo

**Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or qualified candidate has been identified.  The position could possibly close at any time.***

Under the general supervision of the Zoo Maintenance Deputy Director, performs a variety of maintenance and construction tasks ranging from grounds maintenance to construction of new facilities. Analysis, design, construction and maintenance are all aspects of this job. Displays proficiency in a number of skilled trade areas including cement and brick work, carpentry, roofing, landscaping, mechanics, tree service, and heavy machinery operation. Duties will vary daily to support the zoo’s mission, including meeting and exceeding guidelines established by the AZA through routine inspections, routine craftsman tasks, preventative maintenance, special repair projects, capital projects, emergency/safety related work, unanticipated special repairs, and overhead tasks.

1. Maintains zoo grounds through means of mowing, seeding, trimming, snow removal, weeding, mulching, substrate improvements, planting, tree and brush removal, irrigation, painting, trash removal, cleaning bathrooms, etc.
2. Performs repair, installation, and construction work on various structures, fences, pathways, buildings, animal exhibits, exhibit features, shipping containers, signage, seating areas, vehicles and equipment.
3. Operates equipment for various maintenance purposes including, but not limited to transfer of substrate, deliveries, removal of trees and brush, hauling trailer, moving animal crates, snow removal, etc.
4. Evaluates and requisitions materials needed for maintenance related activities.
5. Coordinates with various departments to complete work orders in a timely and satisfactory manner.
6. Provides work direction, including work order assignment and work inspection, to zoo maintenance seasonal workers and volunteers through the use of verbal and written communication and visual and manual means.
7. Collaborates to solve repair problems, identify cost-saving measures, and develop best practices for accomplishing tasks effectively and efficiently.
8. Maintains records as required for preventative maintenance, County purchasing policies, work order progress, etc.
9. Stays current in all zoo emergency procedures.
10. Works to meet or exceed all guidelines established by USDA and AZA.
11. Provides education content and positive interactions pertaining to zoo maintenance functions for education programming and zoo communications.
12. Participates on various zoo committees as assigned by the Zoo Maintenance Deputy Director or Zoo Director.

Other Functions:

• An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the above tasks. (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)
  • Support all zoo animal welfare goals and policies.
  • Maintain knowledge of the methods and procedures used in the care of animals and the equipment used in zoo operations.
  • May be required to work overtime, nights, holidays, and weekends.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to HIPAA and other privacy issues.
  • Must adhere to all MIOSHA and Zoo safety guidelines and practices including the use of proper PPE in a zoo setting.
  • During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to, but not limited, to those in his/her job description.

I:
Education:  Must have a high school diploma or GED.
 
Experience:  One year of grounds and facility maintenance experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.    
  
II: All of the above qualifications plus:

• Minimum three years of PPZ grounds and facility maintenance experience or three years at an AZA facility and one year at PPZ.
• Complete understanding of seasonal facility and equipment operations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of USDA and AZA guidelines pertaining to maintenance functions.
• Must have the skill set to help in the training of other employees in ground and facility maintenance including equipment operation, chainsaw safety, carpentry and animal holding and containment fabrication.

  
III: All of the above qualifications plus:

• Minimum five years of PPZ grounds and facility maintenance experience or five years at an AZA facility and two years at PPZ.
• Advanced ability in carpentry, animal welfare considerations, equipment operation, and project management with little or no guidance.
• Ability to mentor less experienced 400 and 500 level maintenance workers in operation of equipment, finish carpentry, animal welfare considerations, and project management.
• Must participate as a member of the Zoo Emergency Response Team and complete firearms training.

 
Other Requirements:  

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of custodial duties relating to zoo operations.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow verbal and written instructions.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, disability status’, ages, LGBTQIA status’ and genders to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.
 
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment of promotional standards, bus as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.Working Conditions: 
 

• This position works in both an indoor and outdoor environment. While indoors, there is no planned exposure to notable lights, noises, odors, temperatures or weather conditions. While outdoors, exposure to lights, noises, odors, temperatures or weather conditions cannot be controlled and may be extreme.
• This position operates non-powered hand tools such as utility knives, hammers, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, chisels, saws, etc.
• This position operates power hand tools such as drills, sanders, grinders, staple guns, chainsaws, air compressors, mowers, etc.
• This position is exposed to variety of hazards such as traffic, moving vehicles, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, slippery surfaces, chemicals, cleaning solutions, oils, hazardous materials, etc.
• This position is exposed to air quality conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, etc.
• This position is exposed to noise levels which require shouting in order to be heard.
• This position is exposed to close quarters which could cause claustrophobia such as crawl spaces, narrow passage ways, shafts, enclosed rooms, manholes, pipelines, etc.
• This position is exposed to bio hazards such as body fluids, blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases, etc.
• This position works closely with domestic and wild animals with unpredictable temperaments.
• This position is provided, and required to use, Personal Protection Equipment to minimize the risks associated with the working conditions listed above.

Physical Requirements: 

• This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, traverse, climb, balance, twist, bend, stoop/crouch, squat, kneel, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, type, endure repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
• This position’s physical requirements require continuous stamina (more than 50%) in sitting, standing, climbing, typing and enduring repetitive movements of the wrists, hand or fingers.
• This position’s physical requirements require little to no stamina in all other physical requirements listed above.
• This position performs heavy work requiring the ability to exert more than 100 pounds of force in the physical requirements above.
• This position primarily requires close visual acuity to perform tasks within arm’s reach such as: viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, inspecting and assembling parts, etc.
• This position requires the ability to communicate and respond to inquiries both in person and over the phone.
• This position requires the ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer.
• This position requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

 
(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the requirements listed above. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.)
 
 January 2022
UAW ZOO (I/II/III – previously 400/500/600)

Salary : $43,033