Seasonal Groundskeeping Technician

Seasonal Groundskeeping Technician

Wildlife Prairie Park is a jewel in the Midwest. Located just outside of Peoria, IL, this 2,000-acre zoological park is home to over fifty animal species 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 has strived to promote its mission of conservation, education, and recreation.

Groundskeepers play a major role in the service and continuing maintenance of the Park’s landscape and outdoor spaces. They are responsible for maintaining natural environments, landscaping, and infrastructure found around animal enclosures and buildings such as sidewalks and trails. Their work is primarily performed outside.

Typical responsibilities feature:

· Working closely with co-workers, supervisors, and other departments to maintain the Park’s outdoor areas, including lawns, gardens, forests, prairies, animal enclosures, sidewalks and brick patios

· Supporting other departments to prepare for special events, such as weddings and fundraisers

• Caring for and cultivating the park’s trees, shrubs, flowers and other cultivated plants including planting, fertilizing, weeding, watering, trimming, pruning, soil conditioning and mulching
• Assisting with pond and lake maintenance such as clearing brush and weeds from shorelines to improve bank fishing access and applying chemicals to control moss and algal growth
• Ensuring pathways, stairs, outdoor seating and other structures are safe
• Road and trail maintenance
• Mowing/Trimming

· Assisting with the removal of dirt, snow, leaves, and rubbish from park grounds

• Removing unwanted invasive species by physical removal, controlled burns and herbicide application
• Installing and maintaining various landscaping projects
• Trash collection

· Assisting with setting up special events

• Assisting with occasional building maintenance and park projects if needed
• Performing all other duties as assigned

Essential qualifications:

· Team-oriented work ethic

· Consistent attendance and readiness to work

· Ability to prioritize tasks and complete work efficiently within set time frames

· Able to work outdoors in a variety of challenging weather conditions

· Proficient in using basic groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, rakes, shovels, chainsaw and other hand tools.

· Skilled in active listening and providing constructive feedback in a collaborative environment

· Ability to lift 50 lbs

· A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Ability to be flexible regarding workdays and hours when the park hosts special events

Ideal skills and qualifications:

· Experience operating mowers and trimmers

· Experience installing and repairing electric fencing

· Hands-on experience eradicating invasive species in forest and prairie ecosystems, including physical removal and herbicide application

· Creativity and knowledge of landscape design principles and aesthetics

· Experience using hand tools to make basic repairs to equipment

· Strong problem-solving skills: Ability to troubleshoot issues related to grounds maintenance

· Ability to provide exceptional customer service to park visitors with a friendly demeanor

· More than 2 years relevant experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.

Job Type: Seasonal

Application Instructions: email resume and cover letter to:

dprock@wildlifeprairie.org 309-676-0998 Ext. 300.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16