General Description
The Maintenance Technician I - Construction Equipment Operator, under supervision, operates and maintains a variety of equipment or vehicles used in the operation of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center and perform related work as required.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Operate construction equipment including but not limited to backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, telehandlers, packer garbage trucks, skid steers and attachments, aerial lifts, snowplows and pushers, excavators, dump trucks, street sweepers, stake trucks used in a variety of construction and maintenance projects

Operate equipment always with safety in mind and proper PPE
Maintain cleanliness of vehicles and equipment to reflect positively on the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS)
Operators are essential in collection of animal manure 3 days per week and operation of anaerobic digester
Perform snow removal and ice management for safety of staff and guests-this could require work at any time of day/night
Perform maintenance pruning and/or removals of trees throughout the property using aerial lifts and chainsaw
Perform loading and unloading of materials as needed
Operate necessary equipment to grade and level sites, install fencing, move and/or deliver mulch, topsoil, sand, stone, gravel, salt, compost, etc. to various project sites throughout the property
Install drainage with help of equipment if possible
May be asked to perform work not requiring heavy equipment from time to time such as: code red plant maintenance, raking out/finish grading of soil or stone, seeding areas to re-establish turf, use of backpack blower for spring/fall cleanups or daily maintenance if needed, mowing and trimming of grass areas, watering of plants or filling tree bags, irrigation repairs and maintenance, simple paver projects
Help complete landscape projects by planting trees, ornamentals and spreading of mulch
Help plan sequence of operations, changes various attachments, makes field adjustments with efficiency in mind
Lubricate, refuel and clean equipment and report malfunctions
Uses equipment to move Shomobile to desired locations in zoo for seasonal events
Direct activities of helpers, repair and/or assist in the overhauling of construction equipment as required
May be required from time to time to assist in miscellaneous duties such as clean-up of buildings and grounds

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Construction Equipment Operators must have a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver's License with Group "A" Designation and Air Brake Endorsement
Graduation from a four-year high school, trade, or vocational high school; or GED

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the methods, tools, materials, and equipment used
Mechanical aptitude; industry and initiative in handling problems
Willingness to learn and perform any assigned task
Tact in dealing with others

Preferred

Associate degree in a related field of study
State of Michigan Pesticide Applicators' License

Working Conditions
Work under conditions including adverse weather, outside environment, and heights along with days/weekends and potentially nights.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.