Position Details
Title: Grounds and Facilities Technician
Location: 4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI
Reports to: Operations Manager
Status: Full time, non-exempt
How to Apply: Click here to apply and submit a résumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND
Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings.
Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 4,500 objects from diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation.
Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.org.
POSITION
The Grounds and Facilities Technician plays a key role in stewarding Shangri La’s distinctive 5-acre oceanfront site by ensuring that its facilities, systems and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. The Technician supports the overall care, safety and functionality of Shangri La’s spaces, and blends facilities maintenance with grounds and landscaping duties to ensure that the property remains well maintained, welcoming and aligned with the Doris Duke Foundation’s standards of excellence. As a Grounds and Facilities Technician, you play a vital role in preserving the beauty, functionality and safety of Shangri La. Your work directly supports daily operations, special events and the overall guest experience while helping steward a historic site and its landscapes with care and professionalism.
YOUR IMPACT AT DDF
As the Grounds and Facilities Technician, you will:
-
Care for and Enhance the Grounds
-
Maintain lawns, gardens, trees and landscaped areas to reflect the high standards of Shangri La through mowing, trimming, planting and pruning.
-
Perform exterior cleaning and upkeep of walkways, courtyards and other hardscape areas to ensure safe and welcoming spaces.
-
Monitor plant health, identify pests or irrigation issues, and apply fertilizers or treatments safely and responsibly.
-
Maintain and repair irrigation and drainage systems to support long-term landscape health and water efficiency.
-
Support Facilities and Building Operations
-
Perform general building maintenance and repairs, including basic carpentry, painting, electrical and plumbing work.
-
Conduct preventive maintenance on HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, tools and appliances to help prevent downtime and extend asset life.
-
Maintain pools, ponds and water features, including routine chemical testing and equipment upkeep.
-
Provide hands-on support for event setups, furniture moves and cross-department operational needs.
-
Operate and Maintain Equipment Safely
-
Operate, inspect and maintain landscaping and maintenance equipment with a focus on safety and reliability.
-
Perform basic inspections, cleaning and upkeep of vehicles and tools to ensure readiness and longevity.
-
Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.
WHAT YOU BRING
-
Experience in facilities maintenance, landscaping, horticulture or a related field.
-
Proficiency operating maintenance and grounds equipment safely and efficiently.
-
Physically capable of performing demanding tasks that include lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, bending, climbing, working at heights and operating power tools.
-
A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
-
Ability to follow safety procedures and apply preventive maintenance practices to protect people, property and equipment.
-
Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions, including heat, sun exposure and wet weather.
-
Willingness to work flexible hours for special events, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
-
A valid Hawai‘i driver’s license with a clean driving record.
-
Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to support events and special projects.
WHAT WE OFFER
-
An anticipated hourly rate of $21.54 to $26.92. The final offer will depend on experience.
-
Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
-
A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.
