Garden Services Manager

Duties

Under direction of the Director, Garden Operations, the Garden Services Manager provides critical frontline control and management of the Garden Services Department to ensure that work, projects, and services are carried out in accordance with Zoo and Departmental objectives, policies and work standards. The Manager coordinates all aspects of housekeeping, custodial, and grounds maintenance functions throughout the 42-acre garden, adjacent parking areas and site periphery. The Manager is also responsible for logistical support for special events, meetings, and all program activities. Performs all functions associated with the efficient and effective supervision of the department, including scheduling, training and reviewing performance of subordinates. The Manager assists the Director of Garden Operations with hiring and firing, interviewing, and compliance with disciplinary procedures. Also communicates and coordinates routine and special project requirements to other departments with an emphasis on meeting and exceeding internal and external customer service standards. Coordinates with the Groundskeeping Department on operational related projects in the absence of the Director.
  • Evaluates and prioritizes routine and special Garden custodial and housekeeping maintenance work requests from other departments. Coordinates, assigns, and schedules such work internally. Tasks may include routine custodial tasks to maintain the cleanliness of the Garden, restrooms, offices, and public spaces in animal, other buildings and the Garden at large; leaf removal, snow and ice removal, drain cleaning, the setup and break down of events, meetings and program activities.
  • Inspects and evaluates completed custodial and grounds cleaning maintenance work to ensure effective and proper use of labor, materials and equipment and ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate standards of quality for cleanliness, aesthetic appeal and timeliness; takes action to correct defective work as required.
  • Controls and monitors utilization of department supplies and equipment including weekly inventory and evaluation of quality, quantity, and location of supplies and equipment in accordance with department budget and internal controls; maintains and communicates area MSDS information to Zoo personnel and vendors.
  • Ensures proper use, safety, and security of Zoo property, tools, equipment, technologies, and chemicals to support grounds maintenance functions; operates and maintains equipment and vehicles in accordance with established policies. Complies with and enforces all Zoo policies.
  • Assists Director of Garden Operations with hiring, disciplining, and terminating Garden Service Department staff with the approval from the Director of Garden Operations. Responsible for training, supervising, and evaluates part-time and seasonal employees in accordance with established personnel, department and visitor service policies and, as appropriate, the collective bargaining agreement; coaches and counsels staff; documents infractions and addresses performance and conduct problems in an objective, consistent and timely manner. Prepares annual and probationary employee performance profiles.
  • Meets and interacts with other departments to coordinate and implement custodial and grounds functions of various projects.
  • Ensures that custodial and grounds related cleaning are met; handles requests and work orders for routine or specific needs and/or circumstances. Also, works closely with other Department managers to provide appropriate staffing, collaboration and support for all Garden and Zoo-wide efforts.
  • Participates in and assigns personnel as required to ensure that buildings and grounds throughout the garden and site periphery, including public paths, walkways, plazas, lawns, etc., are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and hazard-free condition that is attractive and encourages repeat visits.Informs and updates staff regarding Zoo and Department policies, procedures, events and other activities which impact work, schedules, personnel performance, and conduct.
  • Develops work records, policies/procedures, and training materials for part-time and seasonal employees. Promotes and reinforces an accountability ethic in all employees.
  • Creates staff schedules relative to budgeted hours. Records and tracks actual vs. budgeted staff hours / expenses and adjusts the yearly schedule according to budget.
  • Ensures that time cards, payroll, and other department records are maintained accurately, effectively and efficiently in accordance with FY budget.
  • Participates in FY Department budget development and controls division expense budget.
  • Participates in visitor and/or employee education/information programs, including site tours and/or handling telephone and direct inquiries for the public and from visitors.Is responsible for own professional growth and development.
  • Maintains positive and effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and higher level management; keeps those affected by actions informed of plans.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates or bachelors degree preferred.
  • At least 5 years management or supervisory experience is required.
  • General knowledge of house keeping and grounds keeping equipment and products preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of products and procedures related to custodial cleaning.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with procedures and equipment necessary to maintain and restore floors and all other surfaces.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, hazards, and safety practices of site facilities.
  • Experience developing and implementing management, budgeting, facilities maintenance, inventory systems, and employee training programs.
  • Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong personnel management and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers and subordinates; superior interpersonal abilities; ability to work effectively with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible; professional in appearance and manner. Ability to work effectively as management in a union environment.
  • Knowledge of the use of personal computers and the application of automated technologies in facilities management is preferred. Prefer experience with MS Office.
  • Able and willing to work a flexible schedule which may include weekends, holidays and evenings. May be required to be on 24-hour call for limited time periods.
  • A valid motor vehicle driver’s license and ability to operate an automatic or standard transmission is required.
  • Successful completion of pre-employment medical examination. Immunocompetence (able to respond appropriately to infectious diseases which may be present in the animal collection).No history of allergy to plants, animals, chemicals and/or products used in performing grounds maintenance work in a zoological garden that may interfere with ability to work.Successful completion of a drug screen prior to starting work.
  • Ability to access all areas of buildings, grounds, and public and “behind the scenes” exhibit areas located across a 42-acre site.
  • Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
  • No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices), which would interfere with ability to work.
  • Able to safely lift, carry and load 40 pounds a distance of 25 feet.Able to access heights and confined spaces.Able to remain outside in all weather conditions.
  • Able to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
  • Physical capacity to endure exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required from time to time, including goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc.
  • Must be medically able to wear appropriate respiratory protection.
  • Successful completion of a driving license and criminal records background check.

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If interested, please complete our online application.