Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000 acre natural habitat sanctuary with a 2.25 mile boardwalk and 10,000 square foot Blair Audubon Center open to the public 365 days a year (only closing due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes). In addition to the Center, there are 13 other buildings, including staff housing and a dormitory, guest cabin, workshops and water treatment systems. The Facilities Manager is responsible for maintaining all structures, buildings, vehicles, equipment, roads, trails, fences and land on the 13,000 acres of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. S/he directs maintenance and facility needs by soliciting, assessing and awarding bids with the approval of the Sanctuary Director, and supervising the implementation of capital improvement projects. Additionally, the Facilities Manager organizes and oversees all work projects in an efficient, safe and productive fashion that may involve volunteers, staff and sanctuary visitors, and is charged with supervising local staff with facility and maintenance responsibilities.
- Responsible for the condition of all buildings and their systems, to include painting, plumbing, basic electrical and carpentry, general repairs, and other needs. Oversees the maintenance of the grounds of the Sanctuary and supervises the cleaning schedule of the Blair Audubon Center and the various public spaces within the building.
- Supervises and manages the performance of local facility and maintenance staff, directing tasks as outlined above; oversees volunteers assisting with various sanctuary improvement projects. Ensures that the skills of staff and volunteers are maximized in a timely, productive and safe fashion.
- Charged with overseeing and maintaining departmental budget; keeps Sanctuary Director abreast of various fixed and variable costs. Assists in the financial planning process for future capital improvement projects.
- Works closely with Sanctuary staff to provide facilities support to mission-critical programs. For example, moving tables and chairs for education or development events, cleaning office, lab, dorm or Visitor Center spaces in preparation for a seasonal change, repairing, cleaning or moving equipment used in research or resource management for field days, etc.
- Solicits, assesses, and awards bids for a range of facilities related work such as capital improvements, cleaning, landscaping, etc.; responsible for overseeing the work of independent contractors on various projects, ensuring the safety of staff and visitors on the property.
- May assist staff and volunteers in conducting land management practices such as removal of exotic species, mowing of fields, maintaining native planting landscape areas and prescribed burns, as necessary
- Performs regular and emergency maintenance needs on Audubon vehicles and other motorized equipment on site.
- Acts as the emergency on-call staff member for Corkscrew, being available by cell phone 24 hours, seven days a week.
- As well as a minimum of 3-5 years’ progressive responsibility with a variety of facilities and/or maintenance work.
- Must possess demonstrated, basic knowledge and experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical procedures, general building and vehicle maintenance. Familiarity with farm equipment, as well as off- and on-road vehicles, also required.
- Must possess experience with identifying qualified contractors for facilities work, managing a bid process, and supervising them to project completion.
- A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple, changing priorities in a high-paced work environment.
- Experience supervising employees and/or the work of others in a project-setting; experience working with various constituents, such as volunteers, highly desired.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, a team player who is comfortable interacting with and educating others; possess a friendly, outgoing personality.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Passion for conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
- Must have a flexible approach to work and its hours including occasional evenings and weekends; ability to work in various, outdoor seasonal Florida conditions also necessary.
- Must have a valid driver’s license with safe driving record.
- Ability to operate a wide range of equipment such as ATV’s, airboats, swamp buggies, etc. is a plus.