Organizational Overview:

Bluff Lake Nature Center (BLNC) is a nonprofit urban wildlife refuge located in Denver, Colorado. BLNC educates individuals to be engaged, resilient, and curious; conserves a natural area in the city; furthers equity in outdoor access; and nurtures the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems. Our Education Team works with over 13,000 people from diverse backgrounds each year through field trips, summer camp, and family programs. Our Natural Resource Team manages our 123-acre site through site restoration, volunteer projects, and inventory and monitoring projects. On average BLNC sees over 100,000 visitors per year. 

Facility Overview:

The BLNC site is a 123-acre wildlife refuge which contains wetlands, prairie, and riparian habitats. The site has over 1.5 miles of trails as well as numerous benches, over looks, and shade structures.

The Bluff Lake Nature Center building is a 4,800 sqft net-zero nature center, which is currently under construction but should be open in early 2026. The building will house classrooms, offices, and public amenities such as restrooms. The project also added a new parking lot (with EV charging spaces), rain gardens, and a universally accessible ramp trail leading down into the Bluff Lake site.

General Summary of Position:

BLNC’s Facility Maintenance Manager is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our 123-acre wildlife refuge, our 4,800 sqft net-zero building, and all associated spaces. The Facility Maintenance Manager works closely with the Natural Resource Director, the BLNC Natural Resource and Site Management Committee (NRSMC), other staff members, and a cadre of dedicated volunteers to determine seasonal work priorities based on time and resource availability, ongoing building maintenance, condition of the site, and urgency of site and facility management issues. This is a hands-on position that will range from daily maintenance to hiring and overseeing contractors when necessary and budget allows. Work is largely physical and outdoors throughout the year and in all conditions at a 123-acre property.  The normal work week is Tuesday through Saturday but is flexible based on candidates availability (one weekend day is required).  Work schedules may change depending on the season and in response to special activities or needs.  There is occasional supervision of others, including contractors, site interns, volunteers, and work groups.

The responsibilities of the Facility Maintenance Manager include the following:

Building & Site Maintenance & Upkeep (70%)

• Regularly inspect and maintain the building systems including plumbing, electrical, solar, fire suppression, HVAC, and all other building systems to ensure they are functioning correctly, hiring contractors as necessary.
• Regularly inspect and maintain the site and facilities to identify work needed to ensure the safety, accessibility, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal of BLNC, especially along the trails, in the parking lot, and at all visitor facilities. Ensure the facility meets all health, safety, and building code standards.
• Plan and perform needed repairs and improvements (e. g. fence repair) and maintenance activities (e.g. trash management) independently or in cooperation with volunteers, interns, and contractors
• Maintain supplies such as tools, equipment, and other materials
• Maintain the BLNC truck and schedule repairs when necessary
• Ensure snow removal when needed

Security & Visitor Support (20%)

• Maintain all site security features, including security cameras, exterior gates, locks, signage, etc.
• Make contact with visitors to ensure they have basic information about BLNC and understand its rules
• Enforce rules as necessary, working with local enforcement agencies when required
• Closely coordinate to support staff and volunteers in their preparation and conduct of school, summer camps, and other programs
• Help track visitor numbers and related information, including maintaining trail counter devices
• Install temporary signage if needed to inform visitors of closures, work disturbance, and other unusual activities
• Assist with the logistical implementation of special events held at the site

Administrative (10%)

• Prepare regular work plans in collaboration with the Natural Resource Director that incorporate high priority work needs, and use the plans to organize and be accountable for maintenance work
• In conjunction with the Natural Resource Director, manage the budget for maintenance, repairs, and facility operations to ensure cost-effectiveness. Purchase materials for maintenance projects, save receipts and report site-related expenses to Natural Resource Director
• Be point-of-contact for onsite contracts including but not limited to waste removal, janitorial, and security
• Participate on BLNC’s Natural Resource and Site Management Committee, consulting with group to discuss site and building priorities and projects.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to BLNC and its mission of making nature and natural resources more accessible
• Ability to work independently and on multiple projects, with strong project management skills
• Ability to problem solve, show initiative, and make sound decisions needed to fulfill job duties and meet organizational objectives
• Must be able to use basic hand tools, power tools, and specialized tools as appropriate
• Experience in carpentry, trail/road maintenance, and fencing as well as ability to operate a chainsaw strongly preferred
• Experience with building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing preferred
• Desire and ability to communicate clearly and positively, and cooperate well, with co-workers, volunteers, visitors, contractors, partners and others
• Basic computer skills such as email and document management. BLNC uses Google Drive and candidate will be trained, no previous experience required
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (BLNC helps and pays for this)
• Candidates who speak fluent Spanish will be given additional compensation, but it is not required