Summary:

The Horticulture Groundskeeper maintains all landscaping of Zoo grounds including lawns, flower beds and all public pathways. Position operates lawn care power tools, light motorized equipment, and trucks.

Essential Job Functions:

• Mowing, weed eating, edging, and blowing all lawns.
• Mulching, weeding, trimming all flower beds.
• Minor tree pruning.
• Maintains cleanliness of all guest pathways.
• Assists in landscape/hardscape projects as needed.
• Communicate with Team Lead/Horticulture Manager any incidents/equipment failure in a timely manner.
• Continuous compliance with Zoo Safety policies and procedures.
• Able to work in ALL weather conditions: Extreme Heat, Cold, Rain, Winter Weather Events.
• Operation of Zoo vehicles, including golf carts.
• Ensure a positive guest experience by communicating with guests in a professional and courteous manner.
• Effectively work as part of a team, including following directions as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience in a similar role of landscaping or horticulture, especially in regard to working outdoors during high heat/humidity.

Competencies:

• Written and Oral Communication. 
• Attention to Detail.
• Safety Awareness.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Landscaping Knowledge.
• Equipment Operation.
• Hand Tool Proficiency.
• Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Horticulture Manager, Team Lead.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. 

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.   

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and will often move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening. 
• Clear MVR screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.