Facilities Operation Technician
Environmental Nature Center
Modjeska Canyon, California
Do you enjoy fixing things, being outdoors, and making spaces clean, safe, and functional? We’re looking for a Facilities Operation Technician to support the day-to-day upkeep of our campuses—primarily at the ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon, with additional work at our Newport Beach location. From maintaining trails and public areas to assisting with irrigation, minor repairs, and special events, this role is perfect for someone who’s hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in all weather conditions.
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help keep our spaces beautiful and visitor-ready, we’d love to hear from you!
The Facilities Operation Technician is responsible for facility maintenance and operational support at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), ENC Nature Preschool, and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. This role includes facility upkeep, assistance with habitat management, and event/program support across all ENC facilities. The position requires outdoor work in varying weather conditions, performing physical tasks, and maintaining the grounds and facilities to high standards. Pay rate: $20/hour
Supervision: The Facilities Operation Technician works under the direct supervision of the Office Manager.
Essential Functions/Duties Include but Are Not Limited To:
Facility Maintenance:
- Responsible for maintaining all ENC buildings. Perform routine maintenance and repairs, ensuring facilities are safe, clean, and operational.
- Maintain the cleanliness and safety of ENC grounds by regularly inspecting trails, public spaces, restrooms, and parking areas.
- Empty trash/recycling receptacles as necessary and keep the facility free of litter.
- Provide input on facility design and improvements, contributing to future enhancement projects.
- Address facility-related issues promptly, working closely with the Facility Manager.
- Oversee outside contractors working on facility-related projects.
- Perform basic carpentry tasks such as repairing fencing, signage, decking, or furniture.
- Conduct basic plumbing repairs, including unclogging drains, fixing leaks, and replacing fixtures.
- Perform basic electrical maintenance, such as replacing light fixtures, outlets, switches, and checking outdoor lighting systems.
- Conduct regular safety inspections of facilities and infrastructure (e.g., play areas, railings, walkways), reporting hazards or addressing them as needed.
- Assist with maintaining accessibility features such as ramps, paths, and railings in compliance with ADA standards.
Daily Operations:
- Open and close the grounds, ensuring safety and readiness for visitors by completing opening and closing checklists.
- Maintain the cleanliness and safety of trails, streams, pond systems, and facilities, ensuring proper pump and irrigation functionality.
- Perform daily litter removal at all campuses.
- Assist with facility upkeep, including restocking supplies and maintaining clean restrooms, particularly at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Support special event setup and staffing, including occasional weekend or evening duties.
- Perform general custodial tasks and ensure equipment and tools are well maintained and stored properly.
- Assist with inventory, purchasing, and tracking of maintenance supplies and facility-related equipment.
- Carry ENC radio during shifts and remain responsive to calls.
- At Tucker, carry a fire extinguisher when using machinery. Do not use machinery during equipment heat warnings or red flag conditions.
- Check and follow daily to-do lists provided by supervisor. Initial project completion on task lists once completed. Provide end-of-day summary or check-in with supervisor.
Horticulture:
- Assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems. Conduct routine checks and maintenance on irrigation, pond, and pump systems.
- Ensure tools are sanitized to prevent the spread of plant pathogens.
- Assists horticulture staff when necessary to plant, water, trim, and remove non-native invasive species.
- In the absence of horticulture staff, water plants in the propagation area and new plantings before the heat of the day.
- When needed, assist horticulture staff with propagating native plants.
- Train and supervise grounds volunteers and horticulture interns when needed or in the absence of horticulture staff, ensuring they are properly equipped and directed.
- Maintain compost systems as needed. Chip wood pile as necessary.
General:
- Collaborate with the Facility Manager to address facility maintenance needs.
- Maintain positive communication with all visitors, participants, and staff.
- Participate in Safety Committee meetings as required.
- Help maintain cleanliness and safety across all sites, including: checking mouse traps, dusting buildings, lights, and patios, cleaning graffiti, and keeping garages and sheds organized.
- Support Nature Center operations as needed, including occasional evening/weekend shifts and mandatory special events (e.g., Fall Faire).
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the Environmental Nature Center.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate flexibility in handling various tasks.
- Knowledge of California native plants, plant pests, pathogens, and horticultural techniques preferred.
- Proficiency in operating power tools and gardening equipment; capable of engaging in physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds and traversing uneven terrain.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions and maintain punctual attendance.
- Successful interaction with diverse audiences, including volunteers, students, and the general public.
- Fingerprinting for a background check and a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation are required.
- Familiarity with hand and power tools for maintenance and repair work.
- Basic understanding of electrical and plumbing systems relevant to facility upkeep.
- Ability to read and interpret basic building plans, safety signs, and equipment manuals.
- Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of students, emergency situations, and program needs.
- Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is essential because of limited resources, costs, productivity and quality continuity.
Skills:
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to follow instructions and policies independently.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to engage positively with a diverse range of individuals, including volunteers, students, and the general public.
- Ability to “figure it out”. Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities related to facility systems.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and respond promptly to urgent maintenance needs.
Education, Training, and Experience:
- Current CPR and First Aid Certificates are required within two months of employment.
- Experience in facility maintenance, horticulture, or environmental management is preferred.
- Bilingual abilities are highly desirable (e.g., Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese).
Apply online: https://encenter.org/about-us/employment/
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | General / Stewardship |
Tags | Nature Center |