Zoo Society Billable 1 - Park Worker I - Zoo

City of Abilene • Abilene, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, to perform manual work involved in the maintenance of gardens, landscaped areas, potted plants and greenhouse plants. Park Worker I exercises no supervision. Park Worker II may perform as a lead worker of temporary or part time employees and volunteers.

Requirements

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in plant and landscape maintenance work.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of general maintenance work
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Learn to operate a variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles including a pick-up truck, edger, chain saw, string trimmer, and brush chipper.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of plant and landscape maintenance work
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Distinguish desirable plants from undesirable plants.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Operating irrigation controllers.
• Learn to operate a variety of heavier, more technical equipment including front loader, backhoe, lift bucket, and large area mower.
• Identify 80% of the major landscape plants, pests and their symptoms, and weeds found in the Abilene Zoo landscapes, and have some familiarity with their culture.
• Perform calculations and organize information to accurately complete reports.
• Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Previous experience in grounds/garden maintenance or related manual work is preferred.
• Formal or informal education or training, which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• A valid Texas driver’s license: the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• One (1) year experience equivalent to that of a Park Worer I in the City of Abilene is required.
• Bloodborne Pathogen training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• The ability to work in conditions ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold in a variety of weather types is required.
• Exposure to noise, outdoors, vibration, chemicals, and mechanical hazards.

Responsibilities

• Water and fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants; trim and prune trees and shrubs; prepare ground for planting; plant and transplant trees, shrubs, and other plants.
• Pull weeds, remove debris and apply mulch to gardens and other landscaped areas.
• Sweep and clean sidewalks; pick up litter.
• Assist with light construction work such as irrigation installation and repair and installation of garden edging or hard landscape such as ornamental sculptures or rocks.
• Operate various types and sizes of equipment such as weed eaters, gators, and power tools.
• Assist other zoo departments and zoo guests as needed or as assigned to provide the highest level of customer service.
• Operate larger maintenance and construction equipment such as front loader backhoe, larger area mowers, and lift bucket.
• Provide worksite supervision of other zoo horticulture employees or volunteers in the absence of the Zoo Horticulturist.
• Perform minor pesticide or herbicide applications under the direction and supervision of the Horticulturist.
• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed