Trails & Natural Lands Technician

the Thomas Jefferson Foundation • Charlottesville, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience. Trails and Natural Lands Technician Purpose: The purpose of this job is to support the Trails and Natural Lands Manager in developing and maintaining the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the Saunders-Monticello Trail and associated rustic trails, and Foundation owned natural lands by performing diverse tasks in the fields of horticulture, visitor services, and trail maintenance.

Requirements

• Knowledge of safe use, operation, and preventive maintenance of common mechanical equipment; experience with tools to perform basic repairs; and understanding of irrigation systems.
• Common sense understanding of power equipment and tools used to maintain grounds.
• Knowledge of common grounds maintenance techniques such as pruning methods; planting techniques; watering; fence construction techniques; mowing heights; chain saw safety rules; fertilizer rates; etc.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomic information to identify desirable and undesirable plants in the landscape.
• Ability to maintain poise and composure under stressful conditions, and to effectively lead and work with others.
• Ability to work within established safe work practices for areas of responsibility, including but not limited to EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, ANSI standards for tree care, OSHA regulations.
• Common sense ability to make decisions to work safely and efficiently, and to respond to a variety of physical and grounds maintenance challenges.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s license (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Sensitivity to the historic and public nature of Monticello, to include working around visitors, respecting operating hours, and being mindful of special events.
• Reliability and commitment to fulfill scheduling responsibilities, especially during inclement weather and special events.
• Extensive manual labor in extremely sunny, hot and humid conditions in summer, and sometimes cold, blustery, freezing and rainy weather during spring and fall.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently and effectively operate power equipment and use a variety of hand tools.
• Physical strength and fitness to perform manual labor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Safely work with power equipment – driving tractors on inclines, pruning and removal of large trees with chain saws, and snow plowing during poor weather conditions – is inherently dangerous and requires experience and common-sense precautions.
• This position is considered essential personnel and expected to report to work to assist with snow removal or storm damage clean up, in the event Monticello is closed to visitors.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds, including; mowing grass, clearing overgrown areas, maintaining specimen trees and shrubs.
• Evaluate trees and vegetation along pathways and in the arboretum on a regular basis.
• Identify and perform work to mitigate risks.
• Apply pesticides as directed and follow the label during application.
• Inspect and maintain parking areas and trail surfaces.
• Identify and mitigate potentially hazardous conditions.
• Remove leaves, limbs, and trash from manicured areas of grounds and trails.
• Remove snow/ice in inclement weather.
• Perform visitor service duties such as answering questions, enforcing rules, responding to emergencies, and participating in interpretation programs.
• Assist with special events, workshops, and other areas on an as needed basis including the 4th of July.
• Work alongside Gardens and Grounds staff as needed across the Foundation.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision,401(k) retirement plan plus 6% match, life insurance and more!).
• Fitness club membership discount.
• Discount in the Monticello Cafe, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) free for employees and dependents.
• $500 employee referral bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree