Grounds - Groundskeeper
About this role
The Groundskeeper role is perfect for someone who enjoys staying active, working outdoors, and taking pride in creating a clean, welcoming environment for guests and staff. Responsible for maintaining the Zoo's public outdoor spaces, this position plays a vital role in keeping the grounds beautiful, safe, and enjoyable year-round.
This is a fully outdoor position, meaning you'll work in all types of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, snow, and cold. With 235 acres to maintain, multiple parking lots, extensive walkways and roadways, expansive lawns, flower beds, trees, and shrubs, there is always something to accomplish. Groundskeepers can easily walk several miles each day, so if you enjoy being on your feet, you'll have no trouble reaching your 10,000 steps.
Because you'll be working throughout the park, you'll regularly interact with visitors, answering questions, providing directions, and helping guests navigate the Zoo. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in physical work, values teamwork, and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to a memorable experience for every guest who walks through the gates.
No two days are exactly alike, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, independence, and seeing the direct impact of their work on one of the region's most unique and beloved destinations.
The Groundskeeper is a union full-time hourly position grade U540 with a pay rate of $31.67 per hour. Please follow the below link or copy and paste it in your internet browser to see Compensation and Benefits Summary.
Benefits Overview Union Full-time https://assets.ctfassets.net/y4b3fp715dyu/7sm0rJ2qEBLPqOd5aRpwNB/df2d075cfbd79235e9509d54c3e2e4bf/Benefits-overview-union-full-time.pdf
The anticipated schedule for this Groundskeeper position is 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes at least one day each weekend. Horticulture or landscape design experience and prior heavy equipment operator experience preferred. Class "C" or "B" CDL driver's license desirable.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by performing routine and standard Grounds Department duties and functions under minimal supervision.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
* Performs general park duties, landscape maintenance, and horticulture in accordance with routine operating procedures. Maintains work records as directed. Directs work of seasonal employees as assigned during specific tasks. Reports performance to supervisor as necessary. Observes standard safety procedures and the use of safety equipment.