Facilities Assistant

Facilities – Ely, MN

POSITION SUMMARY 

This is a six month, seasonal position that begins in May and typically ends in late October. The Facilities Assistant supports the facility manager in maintaining our basecamp and grounds. “Homeplace”, as we refer to our basecamp, is located just outside of Ely, MN and is the operational heart of the Voyageur Outward Bound School. Our facility consists of over 60+ buildings and a fleet of 20+ vehicles and trailers. Day to day work is varied and involves maintenance and light repairs, landscape work, and other duties under the direction of the facility manager. A key contributor to our smooth operations during late spring thru mid-Fall, the successful candidate needs to be both semi-skilled in one or more areas of the trades and invested in being part of a learning community. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Facilities & Grounds

• Perform ongoing maintenance and repair of structures on the basecamp in collaboration with the Facilities Manager
• Work could include things like painting or staining buildings, light carpentry, cleaning.
• Identifying and reporting areas in need of maintenance or repair
• Assisting Facilities Manager or tradespeople with electrical, motor vehicle or plumbing repairs
• Assist in managing hazardous trees and underbrush clearance around all structures.
• May include mowing and weed whipping in addition to thinning and brush removal.
• Provide training and assistance to other staff who are helping with grounds care.
• Assist in the upkeep of grounds, including lawn mowing and trimming of vegetation.
• Assist in maintaining roads on base camp including spreading gravel and other materials to ensure all roads are draining effectively and have minimal potholes and wash-boards.
• As skillset allows; small engine repair and/or coordination of repair with outside providers

Vehicle Fleet Management

• Assist in monthly vehicle and trailer inspections.
• Assist in management and maintenance of vehicle records for all VOBS vehicles and trailers.
• Assist in management of vehicle fleet, including regular and emergent vehicle maintenance and record keeping.
• Assists Safety and Program team in the delivery of Driver Training for staff throughout the year.

Safety Management

• Provide community leadership and role model safety in use of vehicles and other equipment.
• Ensures adherence to OBUSA & VOBS policies and procedures as they relate to workplace safety.
• Assist Facility Manager and Safety Director to identify potential areas of non-compliance with OSHA and OBUSA/VOBS standards.
• Implements resolution to identified issues as directed.
• Escalates concerns to the Program or Safety Director as it relates to OSHA standards, OBUSA National Safety Standards, and/or VOBS Policy and Procedures.

Basecamp Operations

• Actively participates in all-school functions, events, and daily chores.
• Work cooperatively with other team members to support instructional staff and students.
• Supports program as needed, including driving students and other support vehicles.
• Split and stack firewood.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned by the Facilities Manager or Director of Safety.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Aptitude for carpentry and mechanical work.
• Aptitude for vehicles, including their maintenance and repair.
• Experience or knowledge of small engine repair.
• Experience or knowledge of large appliance maintenance and repair.
• Ability to train others on how to safely operate hand tools and small machinery/power tools.
• Ability to track and manage equipment, vehicles, tools and supplies accurately.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to follow-through on projects independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to effectively work with a diverse team of individuals, who may have different backgrounds and beliefs to your own.
• Ability to document and record information with accuracy.
• Knowledge of computer-based systems; Google platform.

SKILLS

• Systems Management – develop and maintain order within sphere of influence.
• Time Management & Prioritization—maintain an effective work schedule that aligns priorities and tasks to goals.
• Project Management – scope, service and complete projects from start to finish on time.
• Troubleshooting – determining the cause of errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Judgement & Decision Making – demonstrate sound judgment in adverse situations .
• Problem Solving – analyze information and evaluating results to choose the best solution.
• Communication – share information in a way that is easily understood by others.
• Instructing – Teaching others how to do things.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Willingness and ability to work a non-standard, flexible schedule, as projects or weather demands.
• Willingness and ability to respond on an “on-call” basis for facilities emergencies during evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in heat, humidity, and other adverse weather conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to perform physical activities that require the considerable use of arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at height as needed.
• Ability to bend, lift, kneel, crawl, and carry up to 70 pounds on occasion, 40 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to work around construction sites including underground, at heights and above ground.
• Requires ability to be “on your feet” for most of the day.
• Ability to drive a vehicle to and among facility locations.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Age 21 or older
• Acceptable driving record; experience in large vehicles preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is a seasonal, full time, non-exempt position running May 1 – October 31, with some flexibility in start and end dates.
• Room and board provided while on contract
• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Paid sick time (accrued at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked).
• Participation in 403b with 2% company match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Plan
• Hourly wage: $18-25 per hour, depending on experience.