Summary:

The Browse Crew Team Member, under the direction of the Harvest Operations Manager, provides manual labor involved in the maintenance of all bamboo and other native plant materials needed for animal consumption at the Memphis Zoo. While working with a small team, this position is responsible for the collection, harvesting, and transportation of bamboo and other plant materials from off-site locations.  The Browse Crew Team Member must operate light motorized power equipment and trucks on-site at the zoo and at off-site locations. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for the daily cutting and collection of bamboo and other plant materials from private and public properties.
• Maintain Memphis Zoo's Bamboo Farm.
• Ensures that the job site staging area is clean and organized.
• Responsible for the safe use and operation of Zoo vehicles such as cargo trucks and vans, in addition to heavy equipment such as forklift, front end loader, etc.).
• Operation of light power equipment such as chainsaws, weed cutters, pole saws, and buzzsaws, in addition to a variety of manual tools such as pole saws, loppers, rakes, shovels, and bundling twine.
• Maintain inventory of tools and supplies.
• Continuous compliance with Zoo Safety policies and procedures.
• Able to work in ALL weather conditions: Extreme Heat, Cold, Rain, Winter Weather Events.
• Ensure a positive guest experience by communicating with guests in a professional and courteous manner.
• Effectively work as part of a team, including following directions as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous work experience in landscape, horticulture and/or forestry, especially in regard to working outdoors during high heat/humidity.
• Knowledge of Bamboo and other native and non-native tree species.
• Ability to identify bamboo species and other native and non-native tree species.
• Knowledge of plants and landscape maintenance.

Competencies:

• Time and Project Management.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Organization.
• Written and Oral Communication. 
• Attention to Detail.
• Safety Awareness.
• Equipment Operation.
• Harvesting Tools & Techniques.
• Technical and Mechanical Acumen.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.
• Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Harvest Operations Manager, Team Lead.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. 

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.   

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds and off-site harvest locations). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move quickly, bend and carry heavy objects.  The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and will regularly move or lift objects in excess of 50 lbs. Position also requires frequent climbing and digging.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening. 
• Clear MVR screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.