Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance

National Audubon Society•Dayton, OH

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 role also assists with maintenance of Aullwood’s facilities and equipment, including building and equipment repairs, and handles facilities maintenance issues when the maintenance manager is absent. The position operates and maintains groundskeeping equipment and vehicles, supports land management and seasonal work, assists with facility repairs and special events, and may help with farm chores and livestock care. It also involves public and volunteer interaction, maintaining work and vehicle logs, conducting scheduled EPA water testing, and assisting at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center when needed. The employee must follow Audubon safety practices and support its organizational values and collaborative, inclusive work culture.

Requirements

At least two years of experience with grounds and light mechanical work, preferably with a conservation or parks organization, plus a high school diploma or vocational training; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Ability to safely use a wide range of equipment, including a chipper, chainsaw, dump trailer, plow, salter, electric clippers, hand tools, drills, blowers, power washer, tractors, pruning saws, snow blowers, zero-turn and push mowers, and bush hogs.
Comfortable working 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.
Willing and able to obtain an Ohio pesticide applicator license if requested.
Willing and able 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 emergency situations.
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.

Responsibilities

Safely drive and operate Audubon landscape and maintenance equipment and vehicles in accordance with local and state laws and Audubon procedures.
Mow lawns and responsibly weed-eat around trees, structures, and exhibits.
Trim trees and shrubs and remove dead limbs and trees from trails and lawns, following established protocols and safety procedures.
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 performing 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 setup and teardown for special events and work at those events.
Update logs for facilities, land work, and vehicles according to 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 as scheduled or requested.
Assist with off-hour emergencies such as power outages.
Check facilities and check 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 planning and priorities.
Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.