Grounds Maintenance Worker, Shaw Nature Reserve

This position is part-time and works up to 25 hours per week.

Summary: Performs general grounds maintenance including lawn and field maintenance and mowing. Assists with road, culvert, trail, and outdoor structure repairs. Performs preventative maintenance for tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates outdoor power equipment including commercial lawn mowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers, etc.
• Works with Shaw Nature Reserve Utility Worker and Mechanic to accomplish tasks, operate and maintain equipment.
• Inspects, maintains, and cleans vehicles, tools and equipment properly. Stores equipment properly after each use.
• Performs daily maintenance and light tasks as needed (e.g. oil checks, blade sharpening, greasing and tire checks).
• Communicates equipment issues immediately to Shaw Nature Reserve Mechanic and Supervisor.
• Responds promptly to maintenance requests.
• Assists with road, culvert, trail, and outdoor structure work as needed.
• Adheres to all health and safety guidelines; Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of (1) year in relevant work experience.
• Preferred 2 or more years' experience operating tools and equipment including but not limited to commercial lawn mowers, hand tools, string trimmers, backpack sprayers, blowers, etc.
• Knowledge of acceptable safe work practices including the proper use and operation of various outdoor power equipment, hand tools, and vehicles.
• Ability to work outside, often in variable environments and weather conditions.
• Ability to perform some climbing and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Must be comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills

• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and clean insurable driving record (prior to employment).

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).
• Must be able to work in bright sunshine with probable high UV levels. Must be able to work outdoors year-round.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet and/or operating power equipment.
• Ability to wear Garden issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Work is performed at varying heights, around energized and moving equipment, and in all weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Some tasks maybe performed in confined spaces.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests, and Contractors.

• Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, Missouri, United States of America