Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Natural Lands Technician

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Natural Lands Technician will assist with the maintenance and management  of Winterthur’s extensive natural landscape, including its meadows, woodlands, streams, ponds, wetlands and wildlife. They are also responsible for the care and oversight of Winterthur’s livestock. This person will work with and coordinate volunteers and interns. The Natural Lands Technician is considered essential personnel and will be expected to respond to weather or other job-related emergencies, i.e., snow removal, sick/injured livestock. This position also requires the working of 2-3 rotating weekends per year. The Natural Lands Technician shares their expertise through participation in Winterthur events and programming. They will assist in creating and fostering collaborative relationships with environmental organizations.

Compensation: $19.00

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 7 AM - 2:30 PM; 2-3 weekends per year and emergency weather events as needed

Responsibilities:

  1. Natural Lands Management –Incorporate environmentally responsible practices and a working understanding of the history and design intent of the Winterthur Estate in maintaining and managing non garden areas of the Winterthur property. Land use types include woodland, meadow, field and wetland. Improve areas through removal of invasive or undesirable plants, and planting or fostering desirable species. Maintain woodland and meadow trails. Maintain ponds, waterways and associated riparian buffer areas.
  2. Wildlife Management – Foster populations of desirable wildlife through conscientious management, improvement and expansion of habitat. Control or reduce populations of undesirable or problematic wildlife species such as Canada geese and white tail deer. Attend to injured, sick, displaced or deceased wildlife.
  3. Livestock Operations – Oversee and assist in the care and management of resident sheep and goats. Maintain feed stock and other related supplies. Maintain barn and pasture.
  4. Documentation: Participate in team/departmental planning and documentation. Maintain records relevant to condition, management and interpretation of the natural landscape.  Assist in yearly mapping updates as needed.  E-mail correspondence within/outside of institution. Document landscape changes using Landscape Modification Form as needed.
  5. Programming/Events: Create and present lectures, demonstrations and provide tours for Winterthur guests. Contribute articles to Winterthur Garden Blog. Participate in Garden/Winterthur events. Events can occur outside of normal working hours.
  6. Community outreach coordination: Assist in creating and fostering relationships with community and environmental partners at Winterthur; working with these groups and assisting in communications with all our community environmental partners (ie contractors, non-profit groups, other gardens and government groups).

Job Requirements:

Minimum Experience: BA or BS in Environmental Management or related field with 3 years field work in land stewardship or environmental management; equivalent experience in natural land care related field considered in lieu of degree

Preferred Experience: BA or BS in Environmental Management or related field with 4 years field work in land stewardship or environmental management, with at least 2 years in a public garden setting                                    

Knowledge/Skills:

  1. Strong working knowledge of the concepts and practices associated with environmentally responsible land care.
  2. Proficiency in operation of mechanized equipment commonly utilized in land care (mowers, tractors and attachments of various types, sprayers, etc.).
  3. State certification for restricted use pesticide application or ability to obtain certification after hire
  4. Knowledge of resident wildlife species and their associated management, care and/or proper handling practices.
  5. Familiarity working with and caring for livestock animals (sheep, goats)
  6. Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
  7. Working knowledge of Microsoft systems.

Essential Functions:

  1. Able to operate manual transmission vehicles and various power equipment, i.e. mowers, brush cutters, heavy equipment.
  2. Able to stand, kneel or bend for extended periods. Able to climb ladders. Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  3. Able to traverse uneven ground/inclines.
  4. Work outdoors in all temperatures/conditions.
  5. Exposure to biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, pesticides and fertilizers.
  6. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in order to operate Winterthur vehicles