Seasonal Facilities Maintenance - Danada

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position assists with facility maintenance, seasonal projects, basic repairs, and grounds care including brush clearing in order to provide a safe and positive environment for the public and animals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct minor repairs and upkeep as needed to maintain the facility's functionality and appearance.

• Perform physically demanding tasks, such as moving bales of hay and straw, bedding, and feed bags (up to 50 lbs.), handling wheelbarrows, hoses, and other equipment.

• Repair fences and maintain fence lines clear of vegetation.

• Monitor the condition of the facility, equipment, and supplies.

• Operate equipment including, UTV (utility task vehicle), tractors, lawnmowers, string trimmers, handheld power tools, and hand tools, to perform various duties as required.

• Maintain arena footing through the use of drag equipment pulled behind a UTV.

• Perform snow removal (if applicable) including; shoveling, snow blowing, and de-icing of various walkways, paths, and road access.

• Provide support for staff during fall wagon rides (if applicable).

• Engage with visitors and participants to informally share knowledge about equestrian care and related topics.

• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.

• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.

• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.

• Less than one year of experience in daily barn chores, repairing and maintaining equipment and facilities, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Valid Driver's license in good standing.

• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).

• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).

• Experience operating UTVs, tractors, mowers, snow blowers, and string trimmers.

• Proficiency in working with tools and equipment, including handheld power tools.

• Comfortable working in close proximity to horses.

• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently.

• Strong interpersonal skills, allowing for courteous, respectful, and productive interaction with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and participants.

Schedule: Position starts in early May. Schedule is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Pay: $15/hour.

Work Environment: This position requires working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. There is exposure to uneven terrain, working in pastures and barns, handling power tools, operating vehicles, loud noise, dust, smoke, wildlife, domestic animals, and large animals.

Location: The Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, IL.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.