Grounds and Maintenance Assistant

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove is looking for a competent, dedicated, and reliable addition to our Grounds and Maintenance team to help maintain the serene grounds and rustic feel to the property as well as keep the physical plant in excellent working order. The Grounds and Maintenance Assistant reports to the Manager, Facilities, Grounds & Events and supports the Coordinator of Grounds and Maintenance.

Tasks include basic maintenance of buildings and equipment, and grounds and trails keeping. will support the daily operations at John James Audubon Center. This includes land and habitat management and improvements, maintenance of structures and equipment, ensuring accessible and safe grounds experiences for the visiting public.

This is a part-time, seasonal position for up to 22 hours per week. Schedules will vary depending on events and seasonal maintenance schedules. They might be called upon to work during some weekends as need arises and seasonal priorities arise, such as snow removal or downed trees due to storms. Timeframe is 26 weeks.

Compensation:

$17.00 / hour

• Maintain grounds, buildings, equipment, boats, and vehicles.
• Maintain property signage along interior boundaries.
• Create clean, safe and pleasant environment for visitors, event guests to explore the site through proper and proactive maintenance of the grounds, vehicles and equipment.
• Operate and supervise operation of equipment required to maintain grass, meadows, forests and trails. In addition, plow snow, treat surfaces for ice, trim trees and perform routine maintenance of equipment and/or arrange for necessary professional services.
• Maintain grounds and native habitats for the benefit of birds and people; recommend practices and projects to create optimal habitats.
• Prepare for storms to protect property assets and conduct cleanup/repairs following storm impact.
• Assist with outreach events, stakeholder meetings and tours of the sanctuary.
• Participate in Audubon and Audubon Mid-Atlantic all-staff calls and staff working groups,
• Other duties, including manual labor tasks, as required.
• Work schedule will include some weekends or evenings.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• 2 years of experience in land management.
• High school diploma, vocational school certificate or equivalent a plus. Experience will be considered in lieu of education.
• Basic knowledge of habitat management and bird and plant identification.
• Must pass background check.
• Driver’s license with reliable transport required.
• Ability to maintain, operate and maintain hand and gasoline-operated tools.
• Experience with basic trades including plumbing, carpentry and electrical.
• Experience interacting with the public in a fast-paced environment; ability to remain composed under pressure; experience working at a museum, historic site, or other sensitive properties highly desirable.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with other staff and interact positively with visitors to the Center and others in the community.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as alone.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working conditions and terrains without accommodation.
• Ability to safely traverse wet or unstable environments with or without accommodation.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Ability to transport up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and professional work ethic; be punctual and reliable.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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