Grounds Technician

OKC Zoo • Oklahoma City, OK

3d • $14 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Grounds Technician primarily maintains elephant and rhinoceros exhibits and their environments. The role works closely with the animal care, horticulture, and grounds teams to keep exhibits and adjacent areas safe, functional, and attractive, while supporting the overall safety and appearance of the Zoo. The position is based in a zoo setting, both indoors and outdoors, and has no supervisory responsibility.

The role includes routine grounds and landscape maintenance, basic repairs, exhibit upkeep, and work near animal habitats. It also supports exhibit changes, events, and Zoo initiatives; interacts with guests in public-facing areas; and incorporates sustainability practices into daily work. The position is safety-sensitive and involves required background checks and drug testing, as well as annual tuberculosis testing because the work takes place around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases.

Requirements

• Some experience in formal landscape or grounds maintenance work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• At least 18 years of age to handle and apply regulated pesticides and fertilizers.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and ability to pass a driver’s history check.
• Obtain an Oklahoma Service Technician Identification Card by passing the state Service Technician Examination to legally apply chemicals under a licensed manager’s credentials.
• Knowledge of general exhibit, building, and grounds maintenance tasks and repairs; general computer operation and writing methods; Zoo and department policies and procedures; recordkeeping and report preparation; interpersonal communication; organization and time management; and sensory requirements including vision, hearing, and manual dexterity.
• Skills in computer use for documentation and communication, written communication, organization and time management, interpersonal communication, and operating hand and power tools.
• Ability to work safely around potentially dangerous animals; follow safe work practices, identify hazards, and use safety equipment; maintain working relationships with staff, volunteers, colleagues, and the public; work amid interruptions and changing priorities; and drive in varying conditions within the Oklahoma City area.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Ability to perform hands-on pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer application safely and in accordance with training, supervisory instructions, SOPs, and safety protocols.
• Successfully complete an intense background investigation.
• Walk, sit, and stand for extended periods; push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds independently, with assistance; and bend, stoop, kneel, and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Work with exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, extreme weather, and potentially dangerous animals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain assigned animal exhibits and adjacent service areas, including basic repairs, landscape work, and exhibit upkeep.
• Perform routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, pruning, mulching, snow removal, and pathway cleaning.
• Work near animal habitats while following biosecurity and personal protective equipment protocols.
• Support animal care, horticulture, and maintenance teams, including participation in exhibit changes, events, and Zoo initiatives.
• Interact with guests in public-facing areas and provide general assistance when approached.
• Operate hand and power tools and machinery to support maintenance and landscape projects.
• Incorporate sustainability practices into daily work and support Zoo-wide sustainability efforts.
• Perform assigned duties in alignment with the Zoo’s mission of conservation and its core values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED