Grounds Operation Technician

Grounds Operations Technician

Summary:

Wildlife Prairie Park has often been referred to as a jewel in the Midwest. Located just outside of Peoria, IL, this 2,000-acre zoological park is home to over 150 animals/50 different species that are native to Illinois. Our guests come to learn about wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter and much more. The park opened in 1978 and since its inception Wildlife Prairie State Park strives to promote its mission of conservation, education, and recreation.

The Grounds Operations Technician plays a major role in the service and continuing maintenance of the park’s landscape and outdoor spaces. They are responsible for maintaining the natural environment, landscaping including lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, driveways, and sidewalks. This position provides routine preventative maintenance and repair on animal enclosures, mechanical equipment, vehicles, and trains. This position reports to the Director of Grounds Maintenance.

Essential Duties:

Must be highly proficient at operating a variety of equipment including dump trucks, snowplow, skid steer, backhoe, tractors, boom lifts, welders, trenchers, mowers, and miscellaneous hand tools

Communicate effectively with staff, senior leadership, and board members.

Communicate with Director of Grounds Maintenance on all issues including budgetary contracts.

Comply with all OSHA regulations and any applicable laws regarding health, safety, or the environment.

Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks while remaining flexible and accepting change.

Ability to work with Building Maintenance in using both grounds and building crews on certain jobs.

Applies chemicals, fertilizers, and other hazardous materials, following all safety precautions.

Operates hand tools, vehicles, and equipment, following all safety precautions.

Responsible for establishing a quick diagnosis of grounds, vehicle and train issues and finding solutions that ensure the Park’s safety while balancing time sensitivity and cost.

Responsible for ensuring adequate supplies needed are maintained.

Responsible for performing preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment.

Able to diagnose problems with equipment, troubleshoot, and complete basic repairs on equipment.

Responsible for the maintenance and repairs of roads, public grounds, playgrounds, trails, and open spaces, including removal of dirt, snow, leaves/brush, rubbish from grounds and surrounding areas.

Responsible for the maintenance of gardens, lawns and ceremony venues using proper landscaping techniques.

Directs the removal and/or control of all exterior pests and vermin on the campus grounds and surrounding areas.

Responsible for the completion of groundskeeping inside and around animal enclosures.

Responsible for the maintenance and repair of fleet of vehicles, UTVs, and heavy equipment.

Regularly inspects fencing and animal enclosures and can perform repairs.

Assists in preparations and setup for special events, which may require flexible scheduling and working on holidays.

Ability to work with the volunteer coordinator, assign and implement tasks for community service people and individual or group volunteers who volunteer in the ground’s maintenance department.

Provides courteous customer service to guests and the public, listens to all questions and inquiries, and acts accordingly.

Understands written and verbal assignments and asks questions when needed.

Keeps Director of Grounds Maintenance informed of issues and concerns within the organization.

Accepts constructive input and implements instructions for improvement.

Promotes a culture of safety in the workplace and reports safety hazards when observed.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Organization, functions, and activities of the assigned department.

Basic knowledge or ability to learn about parks, trails, and open space maintenance.

Knowledge of safe operating procedures for heavy equipment, machines, tools, and toxic agents.

Physical activities include working in a confined space, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, and lifting for periods of time in various individual conditions. May be required to work on ladders or bucket trucks above ground.

Must be able to lift a maximum of 51 pounds.

Understanding of the mission and goals of the organization.

Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions including cold, snow, rain, ice, and heat. May be exposed to odors, smoke, noise, vibrations, dust, and chemicals including cleaners, solvents, paints, and other hazardous chemicals.

Ability to develop relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to read, understand, and complete written requests and work assignments.

Ability to work cooperatively with other employees and the public.

Ability to perform required duties in varied and extreme weather conditions.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Model appropriate and effective behavior.

Be self-aware, reflective, and cultivate personal growth.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Strong time-management, organization, and prioritization skills with ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Creativity and problem-solving skills

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Operate and maintain a variety of related tools, equipment, and machinery.

Provide work direction to others as assigned.

Education and Experience:

· Minimum of 3-5 years of experience operating various equipment including dump trucks, snowplow, skid steer, backhoe, tractors, boom lifts, welders, trenchers, mowers, and miscellaneous hand tools.

Infrastructure, water, sewer, electric and construction experience is required.

Experience building fences and animal enclosures is a plus.

High School degree or equivalent and groundskeeping experience required. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

A chemical license is a plus.

Horticulture knowledge is required.

Professional Skills:

Professional, positive demeanor

Proactive, helpful, can-do attitude

Flexibility to adjust to dynamic work environment.

Excellent customer service

Collaborative work style

Good ethics and integrity

Ability to work independently.

Strong attention to detail

Analytical problem solving

Salary: $20.00/Hour

Job Type: Full-Time

Application Instructions: email resume and cover letter to:

dprock@wildlifeprairie.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Hanna City, IL 61536 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hanna City, IL 61536: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20