Supervisor, Grounds & Housekeeping

  • Houston Zoo
  • Houston, Texas
  • Full Time

The Supervisor of Grounds & Housekeeping is responsible for the daily supervision of both housekeeping and groundskeeping teams to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal of buildings and surrounding outdoor areas. This position manages staff schedules, inspects work for quality, ensures compliance with safety standards, and coordinates maintenance activities across both indoor and outdoor environments. This position also promotes excellent environmental services, provides facilities upkeep, and ensures the highest degree of cleanliness. Leads a team of custodians and groundskeepers and sets the expectations and planning for the department. When necessary, works alongside team members as needed to ensure quality.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervises, coordinates, and monitors work schedules/assignments of grounds and housekeeping crews.
  • Supervises crews engaged in the daily performance of ground maintenance and housekeeping maintenance.
  • Assists with preparing and submitting required reports.
  • Develops daily work schedules and assign tasks based on operational priorities.
  • Monitors staff performance and ensure work is completed to quality standards.
  • Conducts regular inspections of facilities and grounds to identify issues and ensure cleanliness and upkeep.
  • Ensures compliance with safety, sanitation, and environmental regulations
  • Inspects the quality of work performed by crews and contractors in their responsibilities and prepare reports concerning the work.
  • Tasked with training all department staff on the usage of various equipment specific to the department.
  • Based on OSHA regulations, the equipment safely operates associated with performing the following tasks/equipment: mowing, weed trimmers, scissor lift, backhoe, tractor, street sweeper, skid-steer loader, edgers, aerate lawns, and border areas.
  • Responsible for the recruitment, selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports.
  • Handles employee relations issues and communication with management.
  • Communicates with other departments on work plans.
  • Ensure world-class service is delivered to Zoo guests.
  • Establish work standards and procedures and evaluate results.
  • Investigates and responds to staff and guest complaints.
  • Order supplies, parts, chemicals, and other materials
  • Maintain various records and reports to monitor track work activities.
  • Responsible for completing all work orders in a timely fashion.
  • Responsible for making sure all employees are in proper Zoo uniform with name tags on
  • Work closely with the Special Events staff to ensure all events are a success.
  • Ensures staff have received proper Spartan chemical training.
  • Ensure appropriate use of equipment and PPE.
  • Contribute to saving animals in the wild through the reduction of waste, water, and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-protecting actions.
  • Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience, including at least two (2) years in a leadership or management role.
  • Manages multiple projects at one time and prioritizes appropriately.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
  • Ability to partner with teams and with all levels of staff.
  • Maintain a valid Texas driver's license.

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job ID: 522648951
Originally Posted on: 5/27/2026

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