Grounds Maintenance Technician (Full-Time Temporary)

Do you take pride in showing up early, working hard, and leaving every space better than you found it?

ZooTampa is hiring a Full-Time Temporary Grounds Maintenance Technician to support horticulture operations across our campus and help maintain a clean, safe, and visually exceptional environment for animals, guests, and team members.

This is a hands-on, high-energy role for someone who takes pride in landscape work, thrives outdoors, and understands that details, pace, and consistency matter. We're looking for a self-directed team player who leads by example, elevates the work around them, and delivers results.

Before you apply, ask yourself:

• Are you passionate about animals, conservation, and contributing to an environment that supports both animal welfare and guest experience?

• Can you rise before the sun and be ready to put in a full, physically demanding day of outdoor work-consistently and with pride?

• Do you have hands-on experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or horticulture, and enjoy maintaining high standards across large outdoor spaces?

• Are you a motivated self-starter who can work with limited supervision while also collaborating effectively to get the job done?

• Do you take ownership of your work, notice what needs improvement, and act without being asked?

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Landscape and Maintenance Supervisor, the Grounds Maintenance Technician supports all horticulture operations across ZooTampa. This hands-on position is responsible for overseeing and performing daily landscape maintenance duties including weeding, mowing, trimming, edging, litter collection, and specialized plant care, while also providing input on landscape design and improvements.

This role ensures high standards of cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal across all landscaped areas and demonstrates flexibility in responding to evolving responsibilities and Zoo operational needs. The Grounds Maintenance Technician contributes to preventative maintenance efforts and supports the Zoo's Asset Management Program by maintaining tools, equipment, and grounds infrastructure. Providing exceptional guest service and leading by example, this position helps uphold ZooTampa's commitment to excellence in both environmental care and visitor experience.

Please Note: This is a temporary position with a projected end date of January 2, 2027.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

• Operates light/heavy duty vehicles, riding mowers, backhoes, push mowers, rakes, shovels, blowers, sprayers, hand saws, hydraulic boom, small tools and any other equipment associated with turf care Provides labor including lull/tractor work, loading/relocating materials, cleaning up around the shop, and operating a Zero turn lawn mower.
• Responsible for patrolling property and actively seeking out ways to improve quality and appearance of grounds, reporting regular work requests, and keeping the Landscape/Grounds Management informed.
• Ensures that before a project is considered complete that it has been fully inspected; all equipment, tools, and materials have been secured and put away; all blockades, ropes, and tape have been removed; and the area is completely guest-ready.
• Performs routine grounds duties including watering, weeding, mowing, fertilizing, trimming, edging, mulching, blowing, planting, leaf and debris removal, event set-up/tear-down, and other related ground maintenance activities.
• Inspects and monitors Golf carts, trailers, tools/equipment for maintenance and Horticulture, repair and/or replacement as needed.
• Supports other facility positions as needed for the successful operation/repair of Zoo-related issues. Chaperones Zoo employees when operating hazardous equipment.
• Ability to complete assignments in a reasonable time frame to the complete satisfaction of the Management team.
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors and the general public.
• Hauls and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels; and heavy equipment.
• Maintains and repairs irrigation and climate control systems.
• Assists Exhibit Specialists with various zoo projects.
• Plans and supervises routine Nursery and shop maintenance.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Groundskeeping experience required.
• Pressure washing, lawn care experience is preferred.
• Have or be able to obtain chemical spray certification.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with and assist guests when working in public areas.
• Must have basic knowledge of plants and horticulture equipment.
• Must be able to able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited supervision.
• Must be able to work well with the public and coworkers and present a positive attitude.
• Must be able to maintain work areas in a clean and organized fashion.
• Must be flexible regarding work assignments as they will routinely change.
• Must be able to think logically and solve problems that arise with little guidance.
• Must have basic knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.

Other Requirements

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors and the general public.
• Ability to use radio, telephone and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends and in support of events as needed.
• Must be able to plan for, work and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing and walking.
• Must have ability to navigate and operate heavy equipment on paved as well as rough construction sites.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

If this sounds like you, we want to meet you.

Apply today-interviews will be scheduled soon.

Please Note: This is a temporary position with a projected end date of January 2, 2027.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children''s Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace