Landscaping Technician

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The Pueblo Zoo is a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible workplace. The Pueblo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to nearly 250 animals representing more than 125 species. Driven by our mission to empower people to engage in conservation of animals and their natural habitat, we serve 100,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation. At its core, Pueblo Zoo values animal welfare, teamwork, education, collaboration and community. The Zoo is located in Southern Colorado and provides a great living experience in a big, small town that offers endless outdoor and cultural opportunities without the hassle of congested big city problems.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Facilities Team works together to ensure the optimal stewardship of the PZ campus, supporting excellence in visitor experience, animal wellbeing, staff experience and asset management. The focus of this position is primarily maintenance of Zoo gardens, grounds work, completion of special gardening projects and seasonal special events grounds duties. May require weekend hours.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain garden spaces and grounds including planting, soil preparation, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, trimming, and applying herbicides and pesticides, cleaning beds, and raking.

• Provide input for zoo-wide horticulture planning including maintenance of current landscaping, new exhibits and special projects.

• Provide guidance on maintenance of Rainforest plants in the Eco Center and advise regularly.

• Assist with mowing and weed eating.

• Monitor garden irrigation systems and drip systems, and coordinate with team to adjust and repair as necessary.

• Assist at special events.

• Assist with toxic plant and browse lists; working with Veterinary Medicine and Animal department representatives.

• Observes, recognizes type of problem, and reports maintenance needs of equipment, buildings, and grounds.

• Works with volunteers and CR and Corrections workers as directed.

• Drives or operates mechanical equipment and motor vehicles safely and without causing damage to Zoo property or equipment.

• Maintains all shop and other work areas in a clean and orderly manner.

• Helps assemble and take down Electricritters holiday light displays. Works Electricritters evenings as assigned.

• Assist with snow removal.

• Demonstrate a commitment to Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, health regulations, procedures, and goals.

• Interact with the public, if the circumstance arises, to provide information on PZ’s animal collection, either through personal knowledge or by referring the question to an appropriate PZ staff.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Working knowledge of similar or related duties; ability to follow written and oral directions; physical strength and stamina; ability to foresee and apply safety precautions necessary; willingness to accept regular weekend, holiday and occasional after-hours assignments; exercise good judgment in evaluation of situations and making decisions. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when needed. Dedication to the Pueblo Zoo mission.

ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possess physical strength and stamina; ability to foresee and apply safety precautions necessary; must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; Able to bend, stoop, crawl, push, pull, carry and walk on uneven surfaces and work outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is intended as a guide to the general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the employee is expected to perform.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Training or degree in horticulture or related subjects, preferred. Requires experience in gardening. Experience with irrigation systems preferred. Must be insurable with Zoo underwriter and possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days.

Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@pueblozoo.org by January 20th

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $15.15 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• On-the-job training
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed
• Year round work

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $15