Grounds and Buildings Technician (Internal Candidate)

White Oak Conservation; Yulee (FL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

White Oak Conservation is seeking a Grounds and Buildings Technician to maintain exterior areas, irrigation, and related infrastructure on the facility's 600 acres. The role requires experience with mowers, landscaping equipment, and building exterior upkeep, with emphasis on safe operation and physical stamina.

Based in northeast Florida, the position reports to the Senior Maintenance Manager and involves diverse outdoor tasks, from pest control to repairs and seasonal landscape duties, in a

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience with zero-turn mower and small equipment (i.e. weed eater, chain saws, pressure washers).
• Heavy equipment operation, landscaping equipment, small tractor operations, underground lawn sprinkler system repair and installation experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates irrigation operation and minor repairs.
• Blows off decks before and after guest use.
• Performs grading and repairs to driveways.
• Applies interior and close perimeter pest control for areas not included in pest control contract.
• Maintains tennis court.
• Assists with front garden operations.
• Prunes and/or cuts down dead trees.
• Gathers foliage and cuttings for arrangements.
• Gathers and splits firewood.
• Cleans gutters and roofs eight (8) times per year for 25+ buildings.
• Uses pressure wash machine on siding and cleans windows six (6) times per year for 25+ buildings.
• Cleans exterior furniture eight (8) times per year.
• Uses pressure wash machine on 64,000+ sq. ft. of decking four (4) times per year.
• Maintains CR 108 and Lessie Road sign areas.
• Performs Fit Trail maintenance.
• Performs landscape maintenance in the following areas: Vehicle Maintenance and Storage, Carpenter Shop, Caddy Shack, Sporting Clay Range, Hay Barn, and Water Treatment.
• Assists with Wildlife landscape maintenance during the growing season and in Wildlife Landscape Technician’s absence to include bush hog animal pastures, weed eat fence lines and animal enclosures, and apply herbicide to fence lines etc.

Skills

Zero-turn mower operation

Small equipment operation

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Title: Grounds and Buildings Technician
Department: Support Services
Reports To: Senior Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.

White Oak Mission:

Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.

Job Summary:

The Grounds and Buildings Technician requires knowledge of light/heavy equipment operation, landscaping techniques, underground sprinkler systems, and general exterior building maintenance. This job requires physical abilities such as trunk strength, manual dexterity, and wrist-finger movement in order to perform the essential functions of the position.

Essential Duties:

• Performs irrigation operation and minor repairs.
• Blows off decks before and after guest use.
• Performs grading and repairs to driveways.
• Applies interior and close perimeter pest control for areas not included in pest control contract.
• Maintains tennis court.
• Assists with front garden operations.
• Prunes and/or cuts down dead trees.
• Gathers foliage and cuttings for arrangements.
• Gathers and splits firewood.
• Cleans gutters and roofs eight (8) times per year for 25+ buildings.
• Uses pressure wash machine on siding and cleans windows six (6) times per year for 25+ buildings.
• Cleans exterior furniture eight (8) times per year.
• Uses pressure wash machine on 64,000+ sq. ft. of decking four (4) times per year.
• Maintains CR 108 and Lessie Road sign areas.
• Performs Fit Trail maintenance.
• Performs landscape maintenance in the following areas: Vehicle Maintenance and Storage, Carpenter Shop, Caddy Shack, Sporting Clay Range, Hay Barn, and Water Treatment.
• Assists with Wildlife landscape maintenance during the growing season and in Wildlife Landscape Technician’s absence to include bush hog animal pastures, weed eat fence lines and animal enclosures, and apply herbicide to fence lines etc.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of two years’ experience with zero-turn mower and small equipment (i.e. weed eater, chain saws, pressure washers).
• Heavy equipment operation, landscaping equipment, small tractor operations, underground lawn sprinkler system repair and installation experience, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with high lift operations.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:

• Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
• Working conditions include restricted movement, outdoor dirty environment, extreme temperatures, intense noise, and hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment provided.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds regularly.
• Moderate walking, sitting, standing, climbing, heavy lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Exposure to dampness and humidity and extreme Florida temperatures and weather conditions.

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.