Groundskeeper

Position Title:  Groundskeeper        

Department: Facilities

Supervisor: Grounds Manager

Position Status: Full-time

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 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.

Position Description:

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the cleaning and maintaining the Zoo outdoor areas, viewing windows, signs and removal of litter from our walkways.  Groundskeeper is responsible for providing support to the zoo’s Special Events and Emergency Response programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for performing morning safety inspection and cleaning of assigned zone and/or other park areas as directed by Lead Groundskeeper. Adheres to grounds daily inspection check list. Required to immediately notify supervisor of any existing safety concerns.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Responsible for re-stocking of products in assigned areas.
• Responsible for completing assigned Special Event tasks. Includes set up, take downs of event props and crowd control equipment etc. Executes tasks in a timely fashion and that work performed meets Event Coordinators criteria.
• Responsible for participating in the zoo’s Emergency Response Programs.
• Responsible for assisting guests finding parking locations when required.
• Responsible for assisting other departments and staff when requested. This may include unloading hay, moving furniture, cleaning building areas etc.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to operate efficiently and safely small, medium and heavy equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks.
• Ability to perform skilled landscape, lawn and general park maintenance.
• Ability to responsibly use and maintain assigned tools and equipment.

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:

• Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs. These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance, as well as safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas. Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration. Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures. PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs. The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow. 

  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Work Schedule:

Work schedule may include early or late start 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.