Groundskeeper

Position Title:  Groundskeeper

Department: Facilities

Supervisor: Grounds Manager

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Description: 

The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests. Responsibilities include maintaining the zoo’s outdoor spaces—including walkways, viewing areas, signage, and landscaping—ensuring they are always pristine and visitor-ready. This role also supports the zoo’s special events by helping prepare and maintain event spaces, contributing to a positive and memorable guest experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Conducts Daily Grounds Inspections: Follows established checklists to identify safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or maintenance needs; promptly reports concerns to supervisory staff.

• Maintains Public Areas: Keeps walkways, viewing windows, signage, and outdoor guest spaces clean, clear of debris, and visually appealing throughout the day.

• Supports Special Events: Assists with setup and breakdown of event infrastructure including props, tents, signage, and crowd control barriers; ensures tasks are completed efficiently and meet event standards.

• Restocks Outdoor Supplies: Monitors and replenishes items such as waste bags, hand sanitizer stations, and guest-use materials in assigned zones.

• Provides Guest Assistance: Offers directional support and helps guests locate parking or navigate zoo grounds when needed, contributing to a positive visitor experience.

• Collaborates Across Departments: Assists with operational tasks such as unloading supplies (e.g., hay, feed), relocating furniture or equipment, and supporting custodial efforts in buildings and animal areas.

• Monitors Landscaping Needs: Helps maintain lawns, gardens, and plant beds by removing litter, reporting irrigation issues, and supporting seasonal planting or mulching efforts.

• Supports Animal Welfare Indirectly: Ensures that animal viewing areas remain clean and unobstructed, contributing to a safe and enriching environment for both animals and guests.

• Other duties, as assigned.

Skills:

• Self-Motivation & Safety Awareness: Demonstrates initiative in completing tasks independently while prioritizing safety and maintaining high productivity standards.

• Professional Communication: Interacts courteously and effectively with guests, colleagues, and supervisors to support a positive zoo experience.

• Organizational Efficiency: Executes daily responsibilities in a structured, timely, and detail-oriented manner, even in dynamic outdoor environments.

• Equipment Operation & Safety: Proficient in the safe and effective use of a range of equipment—including hand tools, power tools, and light to heavy-duty machinery—required for groundskeeping and event support.

• Landscape & Grounds Maintenance Expertise: Skilled in maintaining lawns, gardens, pathways, and public areas through mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal upkeep.

• Tool Stewardship: Uses assigned tools and equipment responsibly, ensuring proper care, storage, and routine maintenance to extend usability and performance.

Education/ Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. 

Physical Responsibilities:

• Must be able to learn and remember tasks and processes, maintain focus and complete tasks independently.
• Responsible for making timely decisions in the context of a workflow and be able to professionally communicate with staff and guests.
• Must have the ability to complete tasks with speed in situations that ensure safety of staff, animals and guests.
• Required to remain alert and engaged while working. Also required to operate equipment and vehicles in a safe manner.
• This role involves working both indoors in temperature-controlled settings and outdoors year-round in typical Tennessee weather, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• Must be comfortable navigating uneven terrain and working in environments with exposure to dust, allergens, and changing weather conditions.
• Requires the ability to safely move across slippery surfaces, operate in confined or tight spaces, and handle hazardous or toxic materials following safety protocols.
• Regular lifting and carrying of materials up to 25 pounds is required.

Work Schedule:

• Work schedule may include early or late start/end times and working weekends and holidays as required to meet the zoo’s operating needs.
• Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

Pre-employment requirements:

• Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.