Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance

National Audubon Society; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Senior Assistant for Grounds and Maintenance to care for the trails and 200-acre sanctuary, including lawns, sidewalks, and boardwalks at Aullwood. You will support facilities maintenance and assist during absence of the maintenance manager.

The role requires operating mowers, tractors, and maintenance equipment, with the ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends, and to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years of grounds and light mechanical work experience preferred.
• Ability to safely use a wide range of equipment and perform basic maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate landscape equipment and vehicles in compliance with safety policies.
• Mow lawns and trim trees/shrubs; remove dead limbs and branches.
• Water and maintain trees and garden areas; follow land management plans.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Chipper

Chainsaw

Power washer

Job description

Location: Dayton, OH

Full time

Requisition ID: JR1253

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with more than 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 900 staff and more than 2.65 million supporters working across 11 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Senior Assistant, Grounds and Maintenance, will be responsible for the maintenance of the trails and grounds of Aullwood Audubon’s 200-acre sanctuary. This includes the maintenance of over 8 miles of trails, lawns, sidewalks, patios, and boardwalks. This position will assist with maintaining Aullwood’s facilities and equipment including building and equipment repairs/maintenance. This position will also be responsible for facilities maintenance issues in the absence of the maintenance manager.

Compensation:

$21.63 - $23.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Drive and operate Audubon landscape and maintenance equipment and vehicles safely while following local and state laws and Audubon procedures for their use. Equipment and vehicles include but are not limited to; zero turn mowers, tractors, company vehicles, utility vehicles, personal vehicle between site locations (farm/center).
• Mow lawns, weed-eat responsibly around trees, structures, and exhibits.
• Follow established protocols for mowing and tree/shrub trimming, including removing dead limbs and trees on trails and lawns, utilizing loppers, chainsaws and other hand and power tools, while following Audubon safety policies and procedures.
• Chip tree limbs and branches.
• Water and maintain trees, garden areas, and landscaped areas.
• Follow Aullwood’s land management plan to maintain native landscapes and removal of invasive plants and shrubs as needed.
• Responsible for snow removal around the property in winter as well as responsible for salting to prevent /treat ice.
• Assist in coordinating volunteers in mowing, planting, trimming and general clean up.
• Assist in facility repairs such as changing light bulbs and other light maintenance work.
• Assist in equipment repairs and maintenance including changing oil and belts.
• Power wash facilities/buildings as necessary.
• Assist with set up and tear down and work special events.
• Responsible for following policies and procedures regarding updating logs for facilities, land work and vehicles.
• Open and close facilities and gates when directed.
• Conduct EPA water testing as scheduled and/or when requested.
• Assist with farm chores and caring for livestock when needed.
• Sweep trails of visitors at the end of the day as scheduled and/or requested.
• Assists with off-hour emergency situations such as power outages.
• Assists with checking facilities and checking and clearing trails after weather events.
• Wiling to travel to Grange Insurance Audubon Center to assist or handle land/facility repairs/projects.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least two years of experience with grounds and light mechanical work, preferably at a conservation or parks organization, plus a high school diploma or vocational training. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Ability to safely use a wide range of equipment including but not limited to chipper, chainsaw, dump trailer, plow, salter, electric clippers, basic hand tools, drills, blowers, power washer, tractors, pruning saws, snow blowers, zero turn and push mowers, tractors, and bush hogs; comfortable on ladders.
• Experience checking and changing oil and replacing belts on a variety of vehicles/equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and able to recognize hazards and act quickly to rectify them.
• Willing and able to obtain Ohio pesticide applicator license, if requested.
• Willing and able to obtain Chainsaw Certification upon hire.
• Ability to communicate effectively to staff, volunteers, and the public and to maintain positive and effective working relationships.
• Comfortable interacting with the public.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, holidays, weekends, and during off-hour emergency situations.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. regularly, traverse over uneven ground, and work outside in extreme temperatures and inclement weather with or without accommodation.
• Knowledge of facility maintenance such as HVAC systems, plumbing, a plus.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as operating Audubon vehicles is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions.
• Experience and comfortable using standard computer equipment and software including email and Microsoft Word.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies:

• Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.
• Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.
• Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.
• Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.
• Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

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 [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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