Site Operations Technician

Huntsville Botanical Garden; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntsville Botanical Garden seeks a Site Operations Technician to maintain grounds, assist with exhibit setup, and perform opening/closing duties on a rotating schedule. The role supports safety, accessibility, and guest experience across the Garden.

The ideal candidate has basic maintenance skills, a valid driver's license, and the ability to use common MS Office tools and management systems. Schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience in general maintenance, repair, custodial, security, or other hands-on technical field.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and meet insurability and MVR requirements.
• Ability to perform opening/closing duties and work varied shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform site maintenance including exhibit installation, signage, pathway repairs, and guest experience enhancements.
• Work independently or with staff to perform maintenance tasks, opening/closing activities, and cleaning.
• Support Garden Security by checking buildings, gates, and property, and document maintenance activities.

Skills

General maintenance

Equipment operation

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radio

Basic hand tools

Vehicles (official use)

Job description

Site Operations Technician

Department: Facilities & Operations

Supervisor: Manger of Site Operations

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Salary Classification: Non-Exempt

Revision Date: August 2026

Availability: Schedule varies during regular garden hours to assist with opening and closing duties. Some weekend, holiday and evening availability is required. Position can be full or part time as desired by the preferred candidate.

Position Summary:

Performs the Garden’s daily grounds and equipment maintenance in order to provide a safe, healthy, and inviting environment that reflects the standards of operation of the organization. Performs Garden opening and/or closing responsibilities on a rotating schedule. Respond to maintenance or setup needs throughout the Garden while on shift. Adheres to policies, procedures and systems that support the overall mission and strategies of the organization through maintaining the facilities, assets, support systems and physical appearance of the Garden in an exceptional manner.

Essential Functions:

• Performs site maintenance services including but not limited to; assisting with exhibit installation, installing/ moving directional signage, structural maintenance, pathway repairs, and guest experience enhancements (i.e., water features, train).
• Works independently and with other department staff to perform basic site maintenance tasks, which may include; trash pickup, parking, clearing pathways, equipment operation, opening and closing activities, etc.
• Assists with support of Garden Security by checking and securing buildings, gates, structures, and Garden property.
• Assists department with policy/procedure documentation, maintenance planning/documentation and maintaining/ inspecting/ documenting guest experience enhancements.
• Participates in and supports the usage of automated systems needed for records management related to Facilities work orders, equipment, specifications and supplies management.
• Provides day to day support of outdoor Garden activity needs related to grounds usage, venue rentals, outdoor event setup, trash removal, and security.
• Works with and guides volunteer resources applicable to departmental projects and operations.
• Assists in providing a safe and accessible workplace is maintained in compliance with OSHA, ADA and all other regulatory requirements. Follows best practices that may contribute to the Garden’s safety and wellness.
• Works collaboratively with members of the facilities and operations department as well other departments to support both the goals of the department as well as the entire organization.
• May occasionally assist with or directly perform duties related to facility maintenance or equipment maintenance and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required and at least 6 months experience in general maintenance, repair, custodial, security, or other hands on technical field. Must possess a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability and an annual motor vehicle record report.

Success Factors:

• A commitment to, and ability to effectively convey, the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants with a genuine passion that also embraces and exemplifies the Garden’s Core Values.
• Demonstrates a true desire to collaborate with others to better a process, idea, or task.
• Strong knowledge of general maintenance disciplines.
• Ability to efficiently use a computer including online programs like asset management, work order systems, online sourcing and ordering of parts, and standard Microsoft applications like word and excel.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills. Maintains high standards and effective communications of the performance expectation for departmental staff.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet multiple deadlines. A self-starter who excels at problem solving and the ability to identify issues and consider multiple solutions. Enthusiastic learner who demonstrates a strong attention to esthetics detail.
• Decision making skills, time management skills and the ability to prioritize.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Practical, hand-on experience and knowledge of electrical troubleshooting/ repair, plumbing or other maintenance/ construction trades.
• 2 years of previous experience in general maintenance, repair, construction, or other hands on technical field.
• Experience in a complex environment of multi-building campus serving a public 7-day a week operation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent physical activity: lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., team lifts of items over 50 lbs is occasionally required, frequently traverses varied terrain, and travels across Garden in vehicles. Sense of vision in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.
• Work Environment: Office environment and Garden grounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
• Equipment: General office equipment, two-way radio, multiple types of vehicles, basic hand power tools.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hiring and developing employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.