The Disney Wilderness Preserve Maintenance Specialist (Specialist) is responsible for upkeep of facilities, grounds, equipment and assisting with event logistics. The position’s primary work location and responsibility is at the 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP) in Poinciana, FL, but will also conduct maintenance work as needed at the 4,877-acre Tiger Creek Preserve (TCP) located in Babson Park, Fl. DWP & TCP are campus preserves of TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The Specialist is a staff member of the Stewardship & Field Programs Department of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
The 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, boardwalks, native gardens, and parking lots. They will be expected to conduct small construction projects, obtain permits for projects as needed, manage contractors, and ensure contractor work is acceptable. The Specialist assist with inventory and purchasing of machinery and assists with Preserve operations including opening and closing preserves to the visiting public. They will operate heavy equipment, lead work teams of volunteers, and infrequently assists with land stewardship tasks. The Specialists is expected to work with limited supervision and achieve expected outcomes and maintain scheduled tasks. This position has a full-time work schedule of 35 hours per week, will be on call for maintenance emergencies, and will involve occasional evening and holiday work. This position is supervised by the Disney Wilderness Preserve Coordinator.
Facilities and Grounds Duties (60%) – Oversee facilities, grounds and equipment maintenance.
- Maintain public access areas, roadside, buildings, and equipment at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Will conduct similar work at the Tiger Creek Preserve on an as needed basis.
- Conducts small construction projects (non-permitted) to ensure basic upkeep of facilities and grounds.
- Conducts regular safety inspection of facilities and equipment.
- Operate various types of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy equipment in a safe and productive manner.
- Troubleshoots and resolves 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 includes 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.
- Operate ATV’s/UTVs safely according to Conservancy ATV/UTV Operating Guidelines.
- 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 DWP facilities and ensures they are implemented.
- Work with Maintenance Specialists from other CCI campus preserves to develop and share consistent processes and procedures to improve efficiencies and costs for maintenance operations at campuses.
- Assist with setting up facilities for events, classes, and organized group visits; may require infrequent weekend work to assist with special events.
- 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.
Custodial Work (30%) – Perform regular cleaning and custodial duties at DWP.
- 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 preserve grounds as necessary.
Stewardship Work (5%) – Assist with land conservation and stewardship projects at DWP.
- Under the guidance of the Central Florida Land Conservation Manager, occasionally assist with trail and road maintenance and other land management projects as needed. Opportunity to assist with prescribed fires if appropriate certifications are obtained.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Other (5%)
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- 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 have a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications required to participate in prescribed burns or CPR, first aid, etc.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with trade skills such as mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC and project management
- 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 common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Willingness to serve as a support member on prescribed fires at DWP infrequently, provided employee has documentation of appropriate required certifications. Ability to meet minimum Florida TNC training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level. Excellent physical condition. For Florida: 3 mile walk with a 45-pound pack with a time of 45 minutes or less. Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
- 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.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.