Job Summary
The Facilities & Grounds Technician supports Hungerford Nature Center's mission of advancing nature-based education and environmental stewardship by helping maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming campus for visitors, staff, volunteers, and wildlife. Working alongside the Facilities & Grounds Manager, this position plays an integral role in the daily care, operations, and stewardship of the Nature Center's facilities, grounds, and natural areas. This is a year-round essential personnel position starting as part-time/ 30 hours, with potential to turn into full-time/ 40 hours. Applicants must be dependable, flexible, and self-motivated. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining buildings, public spaces, trails, and grounds across the Nature Center campus. Safe work practices are essential. Applicants must be comfortable safely operating equipment like leaf blowers, chainsaws, power tools, lawnmowers, trimmers, ride-on equipment like mowers, tractor, side by side 4 x 4, etc. Schedule will vary and will include working some evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and after hours events as needed.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Builds and repairs, sands, scrapes, paints or stains tables, benches, fences, signs, doors, gates, railings, etc.
- Mowing, edging, trimming, blowing, pruning trees and shrubs, watering plants, mulching, raking, digging, weeding, shoveling, snow and ice clearing, salting, etc.
- Perform comprehensive cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, dusting, trash removal, and restroom sanitation using appropriate cleaning agents and equipment.
- Regularly inspects and maintains all hiking trails and structures.
- Provides information and assistance relating to facilities and grounds to fellow staff members and visitors.
- Setting up for and working special events will be required as facilities rentals increase.
- Assists the Facilities & Grounds Manager with inventory management and procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Project lead/ management at times in place of Facilities & Grounds Manager, respectful and dependable communication is a must.
Qualifications:
- Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in various weather conditions and rugged terrain, ability to lift up to 75lbs, twisting, bending, stretching, climbing, reaching, pulling, and carrying.
- Understanding of general principles of construction, landscaping, and painting work is a must.
- General skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, landscaping equipment, and perform routine construction and maintenance tasks.
- Attention to detail and ability to accurately track and report on project metrics, activities, and accomplishments.
- CPR/OSHA/AED/First Aid certification or the willingness to acquire.
- Knowledge of flora and fauna of Connecticut including invasive species, preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and active auto insurance.
- Proficiency with Google suite, record keeping, and data entry, preferred.
Benefits:
- Paid holidays in accordance with employee handbook
- Generous PTO days after accruement and probationary period
- Flexibility of schedule and hours.
- 10% discount on gift shop merchandise.
- Free yearly reciprocal membership.
- Discounts on summer camp and programs for immediate family members.
- Performs habitat management, invasive species control, and other environmental stewardship activities.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
