Zoo Worker Arborist Assistant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's 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 and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving 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 submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

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!

Zoo Worker Arborist Assistant (Seasonal)

Department - Zoological

Hourly Rate: $16.00 - $20.00

Closing Date: 04/16/2026 or sooner upon 50 applications

Job Summary The zoo forestry seasonal is responsible for maintaining and preserving the zoo urban forest and landscapes using sound arboriculture practices and techniques. Additional duties expected from the zoo forestry seasonal is assisting the Grounds Department with park upkeep, fulfilling special requests from the Animal Department, educating and assisting visitors, and creating value to the guest's experiences at the zoo.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Tree Maintenance: Plant, replant, remove, and maintain trees and shrubs throughout the zoo grounds. Learn and implement professional tree pruning, removal, and safety standards. Operate and/or work in an environment around large equipment such as aerial lifts, wood chippers, front end loaders, skid steers, and stump grinders.
• Landscaping: Operate chainsaws, brush cutters, pole saws, and other small equipment. Brush cut invasive species using small power equipment and chemically apply pesticides when necessary. Mulch tree circles and shrub beds throughout zoo grounds on a regular schedule throughout the entire growing season. Assist animal department in exhibit planning and renovation.
• Watering: Water trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers throughout the zoo grounds on a regular schedule throughout the entire growing season.
• Small Engine Equipment Maintenance: Forestry staff is responsible for maintaining forestry related equipment including the cleaning, upkeep, diagnostic, and repair of tools both powered and not.
• Grounds maintenance: Seasonal maintenance of grounds- snow removal in winter, litter and garbage pick-up as needed in summer, removing leaves in fall, and grounds clean up in spring. Forestry seasonals are expected to work weekend rotations with grounds staff requiring all duties as assigned and staffing special zoo events year-round.
• Other: Provides information and direction to zoo visitors, assists other zoo departments and guests, and performs additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to Lift/Carry up to 50lbs. and Push/Pull up to 75lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pesticide certification category 3.0 or 5.0
• First Aid/CPR/AED

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. 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.