General Description
The Landscaper, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping tasks, including the operation of mobile and mechanized equipment employed on such tasks; individually to perform tree trimming, removal and maintenance crews on routine assignments, and to perform related work as required.

The Landscaper will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society, maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies, and always preserve a high level of confidentiality.

This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Subject to general assignments, working both alone and with a crew, with responsibility for proper operation and care of equipment and for the quality of results, performs a wide variety of landscape maintenance tasks including the operation of mobile and mechanized labor-saving equipment employed therein.
• Maintains landscape beds using proper plant care techniques including weeding, pruning, watering and mulching.
• Performs spring and fall cleanups including but not limited to: raking or blowing of leaves into piles, collecting leaf debris, raking or picking up of stems or branches or any other natural debris not fit for the area.
• Mulches landscape beds to help with weed control, moisture control and aesthetic appearance being careful to not bury plants or any infrastructure related elements inside the beds (manholes, valve boxes, etc).
• Grades, seeds and fertilizes with approved materials turf areas in need of re-establishment.
• Sod cuts, bed edges and rototills landscape beds under direction of landscape manager.
• Waters plants to ensure establishment and health.
• Plants and transplants wide variety of plant material under direction of supervisor/manager to create aesthetically pleasing landscapes both inside and outside of habitats. Plants materials include but are not limited to: trees of varying sizes, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, bulbs and sod in accordance with standard operating procedure.
• Helps maintain cleanliness of zoo grounds using backpack blowers to clean natural debris on sidewalks and pathways or in front of doors, fences or habitats in accordance with standard operating procedure.
• Works in and around habitats that may house dangerous animals to maintain turf, trees, hot wire/hot grass, or public facing landscaping areas making sure to follow all safety protocols. Communication with the Life Sciences team is critical to ensure work can be done safely.
• Maintains cleanliness and appearance of train tracks by trimming down and treating weedy vegetation with non-selective and pre-emergent herbicide periodically.
• Mows grass using push mower, zero-turn riding mower or stand-up mower in a safe manner both in habitats and in common areas inside and outside the zoo. Is responsible for pre-checking equipment for proper operation and cleaning after use for upkeep and longevity. Uses powered string trimmer to cut areas not reachable by mowers and uses backpack blower to clean up any grass clippings blown onto sidewalks or pathways, into landscape beds or left in clumps on grass surfaces all in accordance with standard operating procedure.
• Performs plant maintenance including but not limited to: ornamental grass cutback and cleanup, herbaceous perennial cutback and cleanup as well as shrub trimming and pruning using powered shears and by hand.
• Installs and maintains split rail fencing and meshing in according with Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains fence lines to eliminate overgrowth of vegetation including the perimeter fence.
• Performs tree pruning and maintenance using powered pole saws and aerial lifts. Removes smaller trees with chainsaws.
• Performs pre and post vehicle and equipment checks to ensure safe and efficient operation including but not limited to checking fluid levels, checking tire pressures and visually monitoring equipment or vehicle for damage. Should any issues arise it must be reported to supervisor immediately. Uses power washer or hose to clean equipment or vehicle daily after use.
• Maintains organized and neat work areas both in landscape building and long shed area by placing tools in proper places and not allowing clutter to accumulate
• Uses shovels, snow blowers, small plow equipment and salt spreaders for snow removal and ice management to maintain safe travel through the zoo.
• As assigned, assist with a variety of special events, grounds tasks, mowing, weeding, general labor, snow removal, refuse and manure collection, and construction projects.
• Such other duties and responsibilities may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED
• 1-year experience in forestry and grounds maintenance work and in the operation and maintenance of self-propelled maintenance equipment.
• 1-year experience in the operation and maintenance of self-propelled construction machines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in using common maintenance and gardening tools
• Demonstrate an attention to detail that contributes to continual improvement of the presentation of zoo grounds.
• Mechanical aptitude, industry, willingness to perform any assigned task
• Physically and mentally capable of performing all the duties of the classification

Preferred

• Valid State of Michigan Pesticide Registered Technician License.
• Understanding of plant identification as it relates to trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals along with plant biology and physiology.
• Familiarity with greenhouse methods of propagation and cultivation of plants - native and tropical plants.
• Knowledge of methods used in protecting plants from diseases and insect pests.
• Skill in planting and making cuttings.
• Completion of two years in a university of recognized standing with courses leading to specialization in horticulture, floriculture, or another related field.

Working Conditions
Work under conditions including adverse weather, outside environment and heights. Potential exposure to pesticides if being applied or cleaning agents related to maintaining equipment, vehicle, etc.

Physical Requirements
This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds a distance of 20 feet.

The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
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