# Groundskeeper at Nashville Zoo

Groundskeeper at Nashville Zoo in Nashville, TN. Full-time. Posted March 20, 2026.

- Company: Nashville Zoo
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Job type: Full-time
- Posted: 2026-03-20
- Apply: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/nashvillezoo/jobs/5160578008
- Source: https://jobmagic.ai/jobs/groundskeeper-nashville-zoo-pjhwr0

## Requirements

- Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
- All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
- Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

## Description

**Position Title:  **Groundskeeper

**Department: **Facilities

**Supervisor: **Grounds Manager

** Nashville Zoo Mission:**

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

 

**Why Work with Us:**

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

 

- **Comprehensive healthcare coverage** – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.

- **Employee Assistance Program (EAP)** – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

- **401(k) retirement plan with company matching** – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.

- **Generous paid time off and sick leave** – because rest and recovery are vital.

- **Exclusive zoo perks** – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.

- **A collaborative and inclusive culture** – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.

- **AZA**-**accredited facility** – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

 

**Description:  **

The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests. Responsibilities include maintaining the zoo’s outdoor spaces—including walkways, viewing areas, signage, and landscaping—ensuring they are always pristine and visitor-ready. This role also supports the zoo’s special events by helping prepare and maintain event spaces, contributing to a positive and memorable guest experience.

** Duties and Responsibilities:**

- Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.

- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

- Conducts Daily Grounds Inspections: Follows established checklists to identify safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or maintenance needs; promptly reports concerns to supervisory staff.

- Maintains Public Areas: Keeps walkways, viewing windows, signage, and outdoor guest spaces clean, clear of debris, and visually appealing throughout the day.

- Supports Special Events: Assists with setup and breakdown of event infrastructure including props, tents, signage, and crowd control barriers; ensures tasks are completed efficiently and meet event standards.

- Restocks Outdoor Supplies: Monitors and replenishes items such as waste bags, hand sanitizer stations, and guest-use materials in assigned zones.

- Provides Guest Assistance: Offers directional support and helps guests locate parking or navigate zoo grounds when needed, contributing to a positive visitor experience.

- Collaborates Across Departments: Assists with operational tasks such as unloading supplies (e.g., hay, feed), relocating furniture or equipment, and supporting custodial efforts in buildings and animal areas.

- Monitors Landscaping Needs: Helps maintain lawns, gardens, and plant beds by removing litter, reporting irrigation issues, and supporting seasonal planting or mulching efforts.

- Supports Animal Welfare Indirectly: Ensures that animal viewing areas remain clean and unobstructed, contributing to a safe and enriching environment for both animals and guests.

- Other duties, as assigned.

 

**Skills:**

 

- Self-Motivation & Safety Awareness: Demonstrates initiative in completing tasks independently while prioritizing safety and maintaining high productivity standards.

- Professional Communication: Interacts courteously and effectively with guests, colleagues, and supervisors to support a positive zoo experience.

- Organizational Efficiency: Executes daily responsibilities in a structured, timely, and detail-oriented manner, even in dynamic outdoor environments.

- Equipment Operation & Safety: Proficient in the safe and effective use of a range of equipment—including hand tools, power tools, and light to heavy-duty machinery—required for groundskeeping and event support.

- Landscape & Grounds Maintenance Expertise: Skilled in maintaining lawns, gardens, pathways, and public areas through mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal upkeep.

- Tool Stewardship: Uses assigned tools and equipment responsibly, ensuring proper care, storage, and routine maintenance to extend usability and performance.

 

**Education/ Experience:**

- Must be at least 18 years old.

- Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.

- Must have a valid driver’s license. 

 

**Physical Responsibilities:**

- Must be able to learn and remember tasks and processes, maintain focus and complete tasks independently.

- Responsible for making timely decisions in the context of a workflow and be able to professionally communicate with staff and guests.

- Must have the ability to complete tasks with speed in situations that ensure safety of staff, animals and guests.

- Required to remain alert and engaged while working. Also required to operate equipment and vehicles in a safe manner.

- This role involves working both indoors in temperature-controlled settings and outdoors year-round in typical Tennessee weather, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.

- Must be comfortable navigating uneven terrain and working in environments with exposure to dust, allergens, and changing weather conditions.

- Requires the ability to safely move across slippery surfaces, operate in confined or tight spaces, and handle hazardous or toxic materials following safety protocols.

- Regular lifting and carrying of materials up to 25 pounds is required.

 

**Work Schedule:**

- Work schedule may include early or late start/end times and working weekends and holidays as required to meet the zoo’s operating needs.

- Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

- Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

 

**Pre-employment requirements:**

- Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

- All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.

- Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

 
Pay Range$16.10—$16.10 USD
