Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wild animals and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that is welcoming to all?

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking a full-time Lead Grounds Keeper to join our growing organization! With a mission centred on conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program. Our cutting-edge veterinary clinic serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun. 

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $19.41 to $22.81 per hour DOE

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

Overview: In collaboration with the Grounds Department Supervisor, the Lead Grounds Keeper is responsible for coordinating the work of the Grounds team. The Lead Grounds Keeper oversees the department for the Grounds Supervisor during periods of absence, vacations, days-off etc., trains new Grounds staff and ensures quality of work by Grounds staff. The Lead Grounds Keeper ensures timely completion of projects or assignments to maintain zoo grounds to the Zoo’s high standards. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization. 

Reports To:   Grounds Supervisor

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Leads and coordinates the zoo Browse Program
• Covers for Grounds Supervisor in their absence
• Assists in planning landscape designs and changes plus maintenance of plants, lawns and outside areas
• Trains new staff and provide refresher training to existing staff when necessary
• Ensures the maintenance and repair of zoo grounds, irrigation systems, walk-ways, parking areas and equipment
• Ensures that assigned duties are completed on schedule and to the Zoo’s high-quality standards
• Safely uses and maintains hand tools & various gas-powered equipment such as mowers, blowers, power-washers, trimmers, loppers, weed-eaters, rakes, shovels, sod cutters and chainsaws
• Performs tree trimming and safely operates power equipment from ladders
• De-litters zoo grounds and around buildings.  Removes trash, leaf litter and brush
• Safely operates golf carts, dumping utility vehicles, riding mowers, skid steers, forklifts, tractors, and transports equipment by pulling trailers
• Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety
• Conducts irrigation head replacement, minor irrigation repairs and adjusts controller programs for turf conditions and over seeding
• Plants and maintains landscape with an emphasis on edible browse for the animal collection
• Completes all trainings as required, including but not limited to job specific training, OSHA 10-hour training, general safety, active shooter, DEI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand and power tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ fork lift truck

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent, Trade Certificate in a relevant field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• A minimum of one year of experience in commercial grounds keeping or landscaping
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Proof of most recent (2025 or newer) COVID-19 Booster, OR, obtain a pre-hire COVID-19 Booster
• Completes all training as required
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Able to coordinate and lead the team in a manner that fosters a culture of professionalism and models the Zoo’s values
• Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoys working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Degree in a relevant field
• 12 months grounds experience in a Lead position
• Experience working in an AZA accredited facility
• Ability to identify plants that are suitable for animal browse
• Ability to train and develop others
• Pruning experience
• Bilingual (any language including ASL)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.