Operations and Maintenance Technician

Position Summary:

The Williams Sisters Ranch Sanctuary is a 1,200-acre historic cattle ranch along Skyline Drive near La Honda, California. This Audubon property is distinguished as a bird sanctuary and home to many species, including spotted owl, Vaux’s swift, and grasshopper sparrow. The ranch is a steep mosaic of woodland and grassland that provides suitable forage for cattle.  Included on the ranch are a private residence (currently occupied) and several barns and other outbuildings.

The Williams Sisters Ranch Sanctuary is seeking a seasonal part-time Operations and Maintenance Technician for six months at 20 hours per week. This position is responsible for land and property management. The Technician will be completing day-to-day tasks, including water systems maintenance, mowing, building maintenance, and fence repairs. The Technician will notify their supervisor when additional capacity is needed for larger projects. The position will report to the California Director of Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) and will work closely with other ACR staff, sanctuary managers, and the Director of Strategic Operations. This person will be the main point of contact for off-site visitors that may occasionally visit the ranch for tours, bird surveys, or donor events.

This is an on-site position.

Compensation: $21.00 – $24.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Maintain all infrastructure including buildings, fences, gates, roads, water control structures, dikes, signage, equipment, interpretive panels, channels, canals and ditches.
• Responsible for proper care of Audubon-issued equipment, including but not limited to truck, tractor, mower, power tools, etc.
• Ensure compliance with pesticide protocol including training, certification, permit, completing the NOI (notice of intent) documentation, annual reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
• Assist with monitoring and addressing trespass issues.
• Operate and maintain heavy machinery, power equipment and vehicles; oversee all maintenance projects for equipment when needed.
• Conduct predator/pest management or control as necessary.
• Conduct necessary annual easement compliance monitoring and annual reporting to Audubon’s sanctuary and legal teams.
• Develop working relationships with local partners, agencies, and Audubon chapters.
• Participate in relevant Audubon all staff calls and staff working groups, task forces, phone calls, meetings, and/or conventions as appropriate and requested.
• Coordinate and provide access to occasional visitors, including Audubon chapters and staff.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience working on farms/ranches or in parks or open spaces maintenance preferred
• Must be very adaptable and able to solve problems and keep supervisor up to date about progress or when support is needed.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Must be willing to work alone in remote, isolated location.
• Have a working understanding of:

                 –    Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry

                 –    Vehicle/Machinery Maintenance and Repairs

                 –  Chainsaw operation and sharpening

                 –    Power Tool use/maintenance/repair

                  –  Tractor, backhoe, and dozer operation, including implements

• Be able to familiarize yourself with and maintain Ranch infrastructure including, but not limited to:

                   – Water supply springs/source, storage, pumps, fire hydrants and hoses

                   – Roads including repairs, culvert clearing and cattle crossing maintenance

                  –  Buildings

                  –  Gates and Fences

• Willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, have access to personal transportation and be able to work independently from home office.
• Comfortable working in an outdoor environment, in varying weather conditions, working conditions (exposure to disease-bearing insects and wildlife) and rugged terrains.
• Ability to transport up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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