Grounds Zoo Worker

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day. Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County! Grounds Zoo Worker Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly Pay Range: $16.70 - $25.05 Closing Date: 12/18/2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: The Grounds Zoo Worker will preserve and maintain the zoo’s outward appearance by ensuring cleanliness of the grounds by mowing grass, trimming, and removing snow. This role will remove animal waste and deliver animal food and bedding. The Grounds Zoo Worker will assist with moving the zoo’s animal collection, satisfy interdepartmental requests such as relocating furniture, light remodeling, and improvements, and special event set up and care. This position also assists in maintaining both small and large equipment. The Grounds Zoo Worker will operate equipment to load and unload trucks, transport items throughout the park, and conduct landscaping. This role will provide heavy lifting, functioning as the backbone of the behind-the-scenes services to all of the zoo’s departments.

Essential Responsibilities:

Remove garbage from trash bins, pick litter, and use a leaf blower to clean walkways. Use a pressure washer to clean up stained concrete and to clean garbage cans. Collect recyclable material and dispose of it properly. Clean outdoor and shared areas. Tend to outdoor corporate events, private zoo rentals, picnics, and caterers, providing great customer service and keeping the events clean while maintaining strong communication. This includes setting up tables, stages, garbage cans, and any other items required. Conduct general housekeeping of garages, restrooms, break rooms, and facilities.

Use various snow removal equipment and shovels to remove snow from drives and walkways. Spread salt to prevent accidents. Use various blowing and collection equipment, remove fallen leaves from the zoo in the fall. Clean all buildings’ roofs, gutters, and roof drains multiple times in the fall and again in the spring.

Spread woodchips or other landscape materials in the zoo. Repair picnic tables, benches, fences, damaged turf, or equipment, and build various types of wood fencing. Dig holes, install signs in the ground, paint anything needed to improve the park appearance. Assist with propping, animal exhibit landscaping, and improvement work. Perform minor repairs to vehicles. Conduct light, in-house repairs to our buildings, garages, and other facilities and structures.

• Help plant trees and remove fallen trees. Assist with landscaping, including spreading topsoil and mulch. Use a woodchipper to clear cut branches. Help with the removal of invasive species and replant or reforest cleared areas.
• Assist Vehicle Machine Operators with food delivery, animal bedding, animal waste removal, and load and unload deliveries. Use a forklift to transport, load, and unload. Help with cleaning and maintaining vacall screens and boxes of animal waste. Grease and clean all equipment, including skids, forklifts, and other heavy equipment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Current resident of Wisconsin. Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, able to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as Outlook, LMS, and spreadsheets. Able and willing to work irregular hours with overtime, weekends, or shift rotation.

Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of a valid CDL. Landscaping or lawn services experience. Snow removal experience. Small engine repair and maintenance experience. NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the state of Wisconsin at the time of application. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.