LABORER

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Metro Richmond Zoo’s mission is to promote animal conservation and inspire guests by providing up-close, educational encounters with the wild. The zoo is situated on 150 acres of land and is home to over 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world. The zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America and is well-known for its conservation programs for cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys

POSITION SUMMARY

Laborers assist the maintenance and project team with the renovation and construction of animal exhibits. Laborers complete a diversity of tasks and receive on-the-job training. This position is very fast-paced and requires candidates to be hard working.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

80% of time:

The majority of time will be spent assisting the maintenance and project team with the renovation and construction of animal habitats.

• Perform various physical duties as assigned
• Maintain all safety standards
• Move, secure, install, build, load, or unload materials
• Perform some specialized tasks which may require on-the-job training
• Operate heavy and light equipment depending on the job site/assignment
• Move items from place to place as directed by supervisor
• Move tools, equipment, or other materials as directed by supervisor
• Assist in new project construction (MRZ works in all trades: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, concrete, painting, fencing, decorative concrete, etc.)
• Dig trenches, compact earth, backfill holes
• Some building maintenance required: changing light bulbs, door handles, ballasts, etc.

20% of time:

Some time will be spent helping the zoo with other needs:

• Assist with zoo crew team members: learning a register, parking cars, operating a ride
• Other duties as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Laborer must have the ability to:

• Lift 50lbs
• Walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time
• Use a ladder
• Perform duties for 8 hours a day
• Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities

QUALIFICATIONS

Laborer must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or general education degree
• Have 1 year labor experience
• Be self-motivated in work ethic
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather from 0°F to over 100°F
• Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
• Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
• Be able to handle multiple tasks
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have great attention to detail
• Construction skills and experience is a plus

HOURS

• Full-time employment
• 40 hours a week (Zoo does not offer overtime hours)
• Monday-Friday work week with occasional Saturdays 

PERKS AND BENEFITS

• Free zoo and zipline tickets
• Food and merchandise discounts
• Work near animals
• Day-time hours (no nights)
• No Sundays required
• Flexible schedule
• Variable work tasks
• Fast-paced: no dull moments
• Work outdoors and indoors
• Career advancement opportunities
• Medical
• Retirement with company match
• PTO
• Some paid holidays

ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING

Team members may not arrive on duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since this position is a safety-sensitive position, team members may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing. 

DISCLAIMER

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the team member. All team members are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisors. 

HOW TO APPLY

1   Complete employment application

2   Prepare resume and optional cover letter

3   Drop off in person or email both documents to [email protected] and include the position you are applying for in the subject bar