Lead Housekeeping Technician

The Oklahoma City Zoo is looking for a Lead Housekeeping Technician to help keep our exhibits, facilities, and event spaces clean, safe, and guest-ready. Lead a dedicated team, support exciting Zoo events, and play a key role in creating memorable experiences for thousands of guests each year.

Pay Rate: $15.93/hr - $19.91/hr

Department: Housekeeping 

Reports to: Housekeeping Assistant Manager 

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (14) 

Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors. 

Job Summary 

The Lead Housekeeping Technician performs a variety of cleaning and minor building maintenance/repair activities in and around assigned Zoo exhibits/facilities while leading part-time and full-time team members and reporting to management. This position ensures that the general public and staff enjoy a clean and safe environment. Must work in tandem with zoo event staff to manage and facilitate the zoo’s various events. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Experience: Two (2) years working in custodial housekeeping with some experience in supporting special events, leading team members, or equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the job. 

Education: High School diploma or G.E.D. 

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license 

Knowledge 

• Cleaning equipment and supplies used for cleaning work 
• Gas-powered equipment, including power washers, vacuums, power sweepers, and leaf blowers 
• Building maintenance methods and practices, including painting, floor stripping, and waxing 
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) related to bloodborne pathogens 
• Oklahoma City Zoological Park programs, activities, exhibits, and events 
• Building and Grounds department policies, practices, and procedures 
• Organizational policies, mission, values, and procedures of the Oklahoma City Zoological Park 

Skills 

• Interpreting and following instructions and directions 
• Sensory coordination, including eyesight, hearing, balance, and manual dexterity 
• Interpersonal communication 
• Provide training to team members
• Guide within a team setting

Abilities 

• Operate hand and power tools, including reading a measuring tape 
• Work with staff, volunteers, and the public 
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Work in environments with interruptions and changing priorities 
• Apply safe work practices, including hazard recognition and use of safety equipment 
• Drive within the Oklahoma City area throughout the year 
• Work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations such as inclement weather.
• Regular, timely attendance practiced in accordance to the Buildings and Gardens Leave Policy

Physical Demands 

• Required to walk, sit and stand for periods of time. 
• Push, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs with assistance as needed. 
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and move intermittently throughout the day. 
• May be exposed to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts and vehicles. 
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, snow and ice. 
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals. 

Other: This position is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position requires weekend availability and scheduled hours will be based on seasonal requirement.

Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities (Essential Functions)  Job Knowledge and Skills 

• Maintains cleanliness of assigned areas including public restrooms, pathways, buildings, exhibits, and support spaces 
• Supports sustainability practices through recycling, waste disposal, and conservation related activities 
• Follows safety procedures and reports hazards or maintenance needs 
• Operates and maintains cleaning equipment, including vacuums, power sweepers, scrubbers, and power washers 

Accountability and Reliability 

• Maintains custodial supply areas, including stocking and organization of assigned zones 
• Maintain the cleanliness of The Lodge and assist with reservation preparations. 

Communication and Collaboration 

• Performs assigned duties in alignment with the Zoo’s mission of conservation and core values of wildlife and wild places, people, leadership, and conservation. 
• Provides service and interaction with Zoo guests and staff 
• Supports coordination with staff, volunteers, and operational teams 
• Provide status reports to Housekeeping leadership
• Provide information on Zoo Events to staff members to support the preparation and execution of special events.

Initiative and Problem Solving 

• Supports minor building maintenance tasks to maintain facilities 

Adaptability and Flexibility 

• Supports setup and breakdown of Zoo events and activities 
• Shift schedule to support Zoo events and activies with proper notification
• Maintains operational readiness through coordination of supply ordering, delivery, and storage 
• Supports event coordination through participation in operational meetings 
• Utilizes Zoo systems and programs, including SharePoint, to support event 

**This position description is a general guideline for work behavior and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all job duties.  Therefore, it is also not, nor can it be implied to be, a contract of employment.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks. Must be able to successfully complete an intense background investigation.