What We Can Achieve Together:

The Blowing Rocks Preserve Maintenance Specialist is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs (SAF) of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The position works under the supervision of the Blowing Rocks Preserve Manager and is based at the 73-acre Blowing Rocks Preserve (BRP) on Jupiter Island, FL. The Specialist is responsible for Preserve-based facilities and equipment maintenance and assistance with conservation programs at BRP. BRP is one of four campus preserves of TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). Originally protected for its unique rock formations and sea turtle nesting habitat, today the Preserve also serves as a model for successful coastal habitat restoration.

We’re Looking for You:

The Blowing Rocks Preserve Maintenance Specialist maintains facilities, tools, and equipment, mechanical systems and vehicles, landscaping around buildings, and Preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. The Maintenance Specialist completes basic repairs on mechanical equipment and Preserve infrastructure including the interior and exterior of buildings, boardwalk, plant nursery, and parking lots at BRP, assist with inventory and purchasing of machinery, and assists with Preserve operations including opening and closing BRP to the visiting public. They may operate heavy machinery, lead work teams, and assist with conservation efforts such as removal of exotic species and trail maintenance. Blowing Rocks Preserve and this position are integral to CCI and its mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

BRP Facilities and Grounds Duties (50%) – Oversee facilities, grounds and equipment maintenance at BRP.

• Maintain public access areas, roadside, buildings, and equipment on Blowing Rocks Preserve.
• Operate various types of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment in a safe and productive manner.
• May resolve Preserve facilities problems independently or as delegated; may work with infrequent direct supervision.
• Assist supervisor to ensure maintenance and construction contract work is properly supervised, completed, and meets desired outcome(s). Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and acquiring building permits.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and perform tasks in a safe manner.
• Carry out assigned Safety Officer duties for Blowing Rocks Preserve. Conduct safety trainings and briefings at staff meetings and field events as needed. Familiarity with OSHA regulations and compliance.
• Operate ATV’s/UTVs safely according to TNC ATV/UTV Operating Guidelines and ensure that each employee is capable of safely operating the equipment and complying with the TNC ATV/UTV Operating Guidelines at all times.
• May help plan, direct, or convey work instructions to Preserve work groups, including other staff or volunteers.
• Work with supervisor to maintain maintenance SOPs for BRP facilities and ensures they are implemented.
• Assist with setting up facilities for events, classes, and organized group visits; may require infrequent weekend work to assist with special events.
• Assist with preserve operations including opening and closing.
• Assist Preserve visitors when needed (e.g. answering questions, provide preserve use guidance, etc.)
• Respond to and assist with emergency events that may require interaction with law enforcement and fire emergency rescue representatives.

BRP Custodial Work (30%) – Perform regular cleaning and custodial duties at BRP.

• Perform basic custodial duties including hauling trash and recycling, and cleaning offices, public areas, and restrooms.
• Ensure that cleaning supplies are stocked and stored in a clean and orderly manner.
• Collect debris from BRP grounds as necessary.

BRP Stewardship Work (10%) – Assist with land conservation and stewardship projects.

• Under the guidance of the South Florida Land Conservation Coordinator, assist with trail maintenance, exotic species control, or other land management projects as needed.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Other (10%)

• Participate in online and in-person staff meeting and trainings
• Infrequent multi-day travel to other CCI campus preserves and TNC managed lands to plan and implement facilities and maintenance projects.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma and 4 years’ direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.

• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery. (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, two-way radio, etc.).

• Experience working with electrical, plumbing, welding, and concrete.

• Experience coordinating teams to complete construction and repair projects.

• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications required to participate in prescribed burns or CPR, first aid, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Trade skills such as mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC.
• Familiarity with the safe operation of equipment, and ability to follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
• Working knowledge of and willingness to use common software applications (e.g.; Word, Outlook, Excel, Web browsers).
• Achieve and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to learn to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $28.43 - $29.47 an hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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