Individual Placement - Maintenance & Facility Management

Student Conservation Association•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist will assist the Refuge with a variety of projects that support daily refuge operations, visitor access, habitat stewardship, and facility maintenance while providing the candidate with valuable career experience in public lands management. Activities include but are not limited to: performing trail and boardwalk maintenance, assisting with groundskeeping and landscaping projects, supporting facility repairs and upkeep, operating hand and power tools safely, maintaining equipment and storage areas, assisting with habitat restoration projects, and supporting refuge events and operations. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in maintaining public use facilities, supporting conservation infrastructure, and assisting Refuge staff with projects that improve visitor experiences and protect natural resources. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and will utilize resources throughout the Refuge. The duties of this position will support Refuge goals through maintaining facilities, improving visitor access, supporting habitat management efforts, and assisting with operational needs across the Refuge.

Requirements

Drivers license required
Experience working outdoors and performing physical labor
Ability to safely lift and carry equipment and materials
Ability to work in varying weather conditions
Resume should be submitted
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger
Must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time
If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection
Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks
Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat’s safety procedures and safety equipment

Nice To Haves

Experience with maintenance, landscaping, trail work, carpentry, construction, groundskeeping, or equipment operation
Familiarity with hand and power tools
Experience working outdoors in team settings
Interest in conservation, public lands, or facilities management

Responsibilities

Performing trail, boardwalk, and fence maintenance
Assisting with groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, landscaping, and invasive plant removal
Supporting maintenance and repair of Refuge facilities, buildings, kiosks, signs, and public use areas
Operating and maintaining hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment safely
Assisting with habitat restoration projects including planting native vegetation and maintaining pollinator or wetland areas
Supporting daily Refuge operations and preparation for public programs and special events
Maintaining equipment storage areas and workspaces
Assisting with trash removal, custodial tasks, and upkeep of visitor access areas
Working collaboratively with Refuge staff, volunteers, and community partners on maintenance and stewardship projects
Assisting with biology and visitor services teams including habitat restoration and public events
Supporting volunteer workdays
Assisting with offsite community stewardship projects
Attending staff meetings and trainings
Other duties as assigned