Maintenance & Landscaping Technician II

Santa Barbara Zoo•Santa Barbara, CA

4d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities & Horticulture, Horticulture and Maintenance Technician: Landscaping assists performs direct and light construction for zoo facilities, and ensures that the Zoo gardens and grounds meet the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years paid experience in a trade or general maintenance, or equivalent.
Ability to follow oral and written direction.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Competent in the use of all common hand and power tools.
Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work.
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
Ability to exercise safe work habits.
Must be comfortable working in close proximity with animals
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.
Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop.
Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for long periods of time.
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, forklift, and two-way radio.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects.
The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
The ability to quickly move the hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Exposure to chemical cleaning solutions.
Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
Ability to work week-ends, holidays and events
Annual TB Test clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

Educational background and/or work experience in Horticulture, landscaping preferred.
Significant knowledge and experience working with plants and irrigation systems preferred.
Significant knowledge and experience operating a wide range of power tools and construction methods.
Fork lift certification preferred but not required
Valid California driver’s license with good driving record is desirable.
Knowledge of current methods, principles, procedures and practices utilized in horticulture
Knowledge of native California plants and their cultivation preferred.
General construction maintenance and horticulture design, installation and maintenance.
Basic understanding of carpentry, mechanics, vehicle and machinery maintenance, construction and repair.

Responsibilities

Provides general plant care, including watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, planting, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring pest populations.
Maintains irrigation systems, benches, plant labels (when applicable), and signs.
Performs all maintenance and light construction in the safest manner following established SOGS and protocols.
Maintains the necessary records to track maintenance and construction projects, including time spent on job and record of materials used.
Notices areas of concern in facilities and brings them to the attention of management.
Provides light construction services including general labor, carpentry, mechanics, and flat work.
Communicates appropriately, clearly and fully with appropriate staff.
Prepares for the job with appropriate tools, equipment, and supplies.
Follows-up on all projects.
Repairs and paints benches, tables and guardrails, and assists in repair of roads, walkways, buildings, and mechanical equipment.
Cleans grounds, including pathways and parking lot.
Maintains tools and equipment.
Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure quality work.
Reacts in a timely manner to ensure guest, animal and staff safety in emergency situations.
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
Integrates the Zoo's conservation mission and values into daily actions by demonstrating environmentally responsible behaviors, promoting conservation awareness, and actively participating in conservation and sustainability initiatives relevant to the role.
Attends monthly all-employee meetings.
Cross-trains within department to learn additional skills.
Participates occasionally in cross-departmental project teams.
Greets every guest with a smile.
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
Associates with guests to assist and share information. Answers guests inquiries related to plants and plants maintenance.
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
Reflects the qualities outlined in our Core Values, the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.