Position Overview: Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens seeks a dependable, solutions-oriented, and technically capable Facilities Specialist to support the maintenance, functionality, safety, appearance, and day-to-day operational readiness of the Gardens' 27-acre campus and supporting infrastructure.
Reporting directly to the Director of Facilities, this full-time working-lead role bridges the Facilities Coordinator and Director of Facilities positions. The Facilities Specialist remains hands-on in maintenance, preventative maintenance, pool and water-feature care, event preparation, and campus improvement projects while helping translate priorities into daily work plans.
The Facilities Specialist coordinates daily tasks and practical support for Facilities Coordinators as assigned, tracks recurring work, and communicates material, safety, vendor, and repair needs to the Director. This role provides field leadership without replacing the Director's personnel-management responsibilities.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, mechanical aptitude, sound judgment, and flexibility in a fast-paced outdoor environment. This full-time position requires early morning, occasional evening, weekend, holiday, event, emergency, and recurring pool-maintenance availability as operational needs require.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Facilities, Grounds & Pool Operations
- Support the daily maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and readiness of buildings, grounds, infrastructure, equipment, pools, water features, and guest-facing environments
- Perform and coordinate general maintenance and repair work, including basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical troubleshooting, pressure washing, irrigation support, and operational upkeep within demonstrated skill level
- Take a lead role in pool and water-feature maintenance, including cleaning, water-quality testing and records, chemical handling within training and authorization, equipment checks, and prompt escalation of concerns
- Maintain pool-maintenance schedules, logs, and supplies; coordinate service needs with the Director and qualified vendors
- Complete assigned preventative-maintenance tasks, conduct routine inspections, and maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, materials, and work areas in safe working condition
2. Daily Work Coordination & Team Support
- Coordinate daily task assignments, work sequencing, and coverage for Facilities Coordinators based on Director priorities
- Provide on-site guidance and safe-work support to help ensure assigned work is completed accurately, efficiently, and to established standards
- Track recurring work, preventative-maintenance activities, repairs, supply needs, and assigned projects for planning and follow-up
- Serve as an informed field point of contact when the Director is unavailable; make appropriate decisions within role scope and escalate matters requiring leadership direction
3. Event, Exhibition & Operational Support
- Coordinate and participate in preparation and breakdown for exhibitions, programs, rentals, and special events
- Help organize Facilities-team coverage for tables, chairs, signage, equipment, staging, lighting, tents, barriers, and other infrastructure
- Assist with exhibit installations, deinstallations, deliveries, and logistics for campus projects and operational initiatives
- Help ensure pools, water features, guest paths, and work areas remain safe, clean, operational, and guest-ready; provide flexible event support as needed
4. Equipment, Infrastructure & Project Support
- Operate tractors, forklifts, utility vehicles, blowers, mowers, chainsaws, pressure washers, and other assigned equipment within skill level
- Assist with irrigation, drainage, lighting, utility, infrastructure, and capital-improvement projects as directed
- Monitor campus conditions and communicate maintenance, safety, pool-system, and operational concerns to the Director
- Coordinate access and on-site support for approved vendors and contractors; document work completed and follow-up needs
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
- High School Diploma or GED required; technical training, trade certifications, or coursework in facilities maintenance, construction, mechanical systems, landscaping, pool operations, or related fields preferred
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or comparable pool-maintenance training preferred; ability to obtain applicable training may be required
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered
EXPERIENCE
- Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in facilities maintenance, grounds maintenance, construction support, landscaping, operations, or comparable hands-on environments preferred
- Demonstrated pool or water-feature maintenance, water-quality testing, equipment monitoring, and safe chemical-practice experience strongly preferred
- Experience coordinating daily field work, guiding coworkers, or serving as a working lead preferred
- Experience operating facilities or grounds equipment; nonprofit, hospitality, botanical-garden, park, museum, or public-attraction experience is a plus
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong mechanical aptitude and general-maintenance knowledge
- Working knowledge of pool and water-feature operations, water chemistry, equipment monitoring, and chemical-safety procedures
- Ability to operate equipment and power tools safely and effectively
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities; ability to work independently with sound judgment and appropriate escalation
- Ability to organize daily work, coordinate peers without formal disciplinary authority, and follow through on recurring tasks
- Positive attitude, professionalism, and flexibility for changing operational, event, and emergency needs
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Full-time position, generally scheduled for 40 hours per week
- Flexible schedule required, including early mornings, occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, event coverage, and emergency response as needed
- Regular pool and water-feature monitoring may require schedule adjustments to maintain safe, consistent operations
- Majority of work is performed outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and uneven terrain
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, push, pull, and perform physical labor for extended periods; lift up to 50 pounds
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position with compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits may include:
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Employee discounts
- Professional development assistance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in its workforce. The Gardens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations.
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
