Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance

National Audubon Society•Dayton, OH

6d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the trails and grounds of Aullwood Audubon’s 200-acre sanctuary, including more than 8 miles of trails, lawns, sidewalks, patios, and boardwalks. The position also assists with maintenance of Aullwood’s facilities and equipment, including building and equipment repairs. In the maintenance manager’s absence, this role is responsible for facilities maintenance issues. The position operates landscape and maintenance equipment and vehicles, performs grounds and landscape care, assists with facility and equipment repairs, supports events and volunteers, and responds to weather-related and other off-hour needs. The role also includes farm and livestock assistance when needed, scheduled water testing, and travel to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center for land or facility work as needed.

Requirements

At least two years of experience with grounds and light mechanical work, preferably at a conservation or parks organization, plus a high school diploma or vocational training; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Ability to safely use equipment including chippers, chainsaws, dump trailers, plows, salters, electric clippers, hand tools, drills, blowers, power washers, tractors, pruning saws, snow blowers, zero-turn and push mowers, and bush hogs; must be comfortable on ladders.
Experience checking and changing oil and replacing belts on a variety of vehicles and equipment.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions, with the ability to recognize hazards and act quickly to rectify them.
Willingness and ability to obtain an Ohio pesticide applicator license if requested.
Willingness and ability to obtain Chainsaw Certification upon hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public and maintain positive, effective working relationships.
Comfort interacting with the public.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays, weekends, and off-hour emergencies.
Ability to regularly lift up to 80 pounds, traverse uneven ground, and work outdoors in extreme temperatures and inclement weather, with or without accommodation.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; operating Audubon vehicles is required to perform essential functions.
Experience and comfort using standard computer equipment and software, including email and Microsoft Word.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Ability to apply competencies in building relationships, problem solving, accountability, supporting change, and critical thinking.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of facility maintenance, such as HVAC systems and plumbing.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Safely drive and operate Audubon landscape and maintenance equipment and vehicles in accordance with laws and Audubon procedures.
Mow lawns and weed-eat around trees, structures, and exhibits responsibly.
Maintain trails, lawns, and landscaped areas, including tree and shrub trimming and removal of dead limbs and trees.
Chip tree limbs and branches.
Water and maintain trees, gardens, and landscaped areas.
Follow Aullwood’s land management plan, including maintaining native landscapes and removing invasive plants and shrubs as needed.
Remove snow and apply salt to prevent or treat ice.
Assist in coordinating volunteers in mowing, planting, trimming, and general cleanup.
Assist with facility repairs and light maintenance, including changing light bulbs.
Assist with equipment repairs and maintenance, including changing oil and belts.
Power wash facilities and buildings as necessary.
Assist with event setup and teardown.
Maintain logs for facilities, land work, and vehicles in accordance with policies and procedures.
Open and close facilities and gates when directed.
Conduct EPA water testing as scheduled or requested.
Assist with farm chores and livestock care when needed.
Sweep trails of visitors at the end of the day when scheduled or requested.
Assist with off-hour emergencies, such as power outages.
Check facilities and inspect and clear trails after weather events.
Travel to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center to assist with or handle land and facility repairs or projects.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas on shared priorities.
Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.