Position Overview

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a non-profit dedicated to providing quality environmental education programs on its 460-acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge has a nature based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool) on the Main Property in West St. Paul. This role will carry out daily assignments related to the care of buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment. The primary report to work location is Dodge Nature Center: Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove supporting maintenance and care. Work will take place at both the Main West St. Paul location along with Cottage Grove location.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities:

Building and Grounds Maintenance: 75%
• Perform general building maintenance which can include cleaning, changing light bulbs, painting, light plumbing, and other related maintenance activities. Assist in mowing, weed whipping and grounds maintenance to keep all lawns and trails groomed and to make the site presentable. In winter months carry out snow plowing, snow blowing, shoveling, and sanding of driveways, parking lots and walkways. Perform a variety of carpentry related projects along with general plumbing and electrical.
Farm Support: 10%
• In partnership with the farm team, support and perform tasks involving farm maintenance and animal care.
Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance: 10%
• Perform assigned tasks related to the cleaning and care of all vehicles and equipment.
Supervision: 5%
• Provide the supervision of volunteers, such as Dakota County Service workers, and/or youth job skill training groups.
Other duties as assigned: 10%

Minimum Qualifications
• High School diploma
• Valid Driver’s License
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance methods, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and lawn equipment.
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently
• Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Commitment to the Dodge Nature Center mission, vision and values
• Some evenings and weekends may be required

Physical Requirements
Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including bending, lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside inclement weather.
Prefer red Qualifications
• Experience operating tractors, chain saws, woodchippers, bobcat, zero turn lawn mowers, snow blower, snowplow and other related equipment.
• Be a team player with willingness to help other departments as needed.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools
• This person should have the ability to supervise volunteers and other assigned labor sources.