Maintenance Assistant II - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $22.14

PARKS TACOMA is an independent park district in Pierce County, Washington, proudly accredited by both the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) & the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). As a leader in promoting a healthy, sustainable community, Parks Tacoma manages a diverse range of facilities that provide our communities with exceptional recreational opportunities—from local neighborhood parks and scenic waterfront access to large regional attractions. Serving as both a vital community resource and a regional destination, Parks Tacoma plays a central role in enhancing quality of life throughout the area.

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. Located within the scenic 700-acre Point Defiance Park, the 29-acre zoological park offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. Since its founding in 1905, the Zoo has welcomed over 800,000 visitors annually and remains a beloved regional destination. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium upholds the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, and education.

OUR MISSION - Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more pdza.org 

POSITION INFORMATION - Under the direction of an assigned lead this position is responsible for performing routine building and grounds maintenance to support the care and custodial upkeep of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium facilities, exhibit areas, and surrounding grounds. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

This position is responsible for performing routine building and grounds maintenance to support the care and custodial upkeep of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium facilities, exhibit areas, and surrounding grounds.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Custodial and Cleaning Functions:

• Clean and sanitize restrooms, including toilets, sinks, mirrors, and walls.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and maintain cleanliness of floors
• Collect and remove trash from buildings and grounds; ensure proper disposal.

Groundskeeping and Horticultural Support:

• Perform routine landscaping tasks such as mowing, edging, raking, weeding, fertilizing, and watering lawns.
• Plant, trim, prune, fertilize, water trees, shrubs, and flowers as assigned.
• Clear debris from walkways, hardscapes, and driveways using hand tools or blowers.

Facility Support:

• Set up rooms or event spaces for special functions, including moving furniture, small bleachers, and equipment.
• Assist with general upkeep and minor maintenance of facilities and exhibit areas.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Operate Tacoma Parks vehicles as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (A five-year driving abstract will be required upon hire, at applicant's expense).

• Ability to safely operate a variety of hand tools and maintenance equipment.

• Prior experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or park operations is required.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.

• Ability to exchange information clearly and respectfully with coworkers and the public.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, as required.

HOURS - This is a part time position scheduled for up to 29 hours per week. Days and hours per week may vary as needed for coverage, season and events.
 
ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor, outdoor and shop work environment.
• Fumes, dust, pollen, and constant noise from equipment operation.
• Emergency call-outs.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Heavy lifting objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Bending at the waist, stooping.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of specialized equipment and hand and power tools.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while operating grounds equipment.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Moving over rough, uneven or slippery surfaces.

HAZARDS

• Noise and Weather Exposure: Working outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, or cold with noise from lawnmowers, blowers, and other equipment
• Prolonged Standing or Walking
• Exposure to fertilizers and custodial cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, or solvents, which may irritate skin, eyes, or lungs if not handled properly
• Potential for cuts or other injuries when using equipment with sharp or moving parts, particularly if safety procedures or PPE are not followed.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at [email protected].

 Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.