Mechanical Maintenance Grounds Worker

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 application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

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!

Mechanical Maintenance Grounds Worker

Milwaukee County Zoo

Hourly Pay Range: $19.88 - $29.83

Closing Date: 7/27/2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: The Mechanical Maintenance Grounds Worker performs and oversees team members in the inspection, mechanical maintenance, repair, and daily operation standards of Zoo small engine equipment vehicles and facilities. This position is responsible for repairs, improvements, parts ordering, installation of equipment, and facilities needs. The Mechanical Maintenance Grounds Worker will provide an additional resource for all zoo departments and its leaders to keep our fleet of tools, equipment, and facilities in good repair and operating. This role will also assist the Grounds department team with grounds duties, as well as serve as an additional liaison between the Zoo and Fleet departments.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintain good repair of equipment by inspecting, troubleshooting, researching, and evolving. Troubleshoot mechanical issues, active repair, or replacement plans.
• Work with any Zoo team member to train and use tools, equipment, vehicles, and other items. Be another point of contact for any tool, facility, equipment, or vehicle need for the grounds, horticulture and forestry departments, as well as any other zoo department. Assist supervisor by coordinating repairs and services with fleet.
• Spread woodchips or other landscape materials in the Zoo. Repair picnic tables, benches, fences, damaged turf, equipment, and build various types of wood fencing. Dig holes, install signs in the ground, and paint anything needed to improve the park appearance. Assist with propping, animal exhibit landscaping, and improvement work. Perform minor repairs to vehicles and light, in-house repairs to our buildings, garages, and other facilities and structures. Perform various light remodeling and improvement tasks such as building and installing shelving, building structures for animal enrichment, installing flooring, light carpentry work, and other light construction projects as needed.
• Remove garbage from trash bins, pick litter, and use 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 and private zoo rentals, picnics, and caterers. Provide great customer service keeping the events clean and maintaining communication with them. Set up tables, stages, garbage cans, and any other items required. General housekeeping of garages, restrooms, break room, and facilities.
• Use various snow removal equipment and shovels, 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, then again in the spring.
• Help remove fallen trees, plant trees, and assist with landscaping. This includes spreading topsoil and mulch. Assist with using a woodchipper to clear cut branches. Assist in removal of invasives and then replanting/ and reforesting cleared areas.
• Assist Vehicle Machine Operators with food delivery, animal bedding, animal waste removal, load/unload deliveries, use forklift to transport/load/unload, and various other duties. Assist with cleaning and maintaining vacall screens and boxes of animal waste, grease, and clean all equipment, skids, forklifts, and heavy equipment.
• Collect "browse" for animal feeding and enrichment. Support zoo-wide moves by moving various large or heavy items needed from buildings, basements, offices, etc.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a current resident of Wisconsin.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of experience in an Auto Shop, Small Engine Repair, or Building Trades.
• Intermediate computer knowledge to work in applications such as Outlook, Learning Management Systems, or spreadsheet applications. Also able to utilize computer resources to troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Willing and able to lift/carry and push/pull up to 50 lbs.
• Willing and able to work irregular hours including frequent overtime, weekends, or shift rotations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or higher in gas or diesel mechanics, mechanical maintenance, building trades maintenance, or two and four cycle engine mechanics.
• Class A or B CDL.
• EETC (Equipment and Engine Training Council) certification.
• ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certification.

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.