Building and Groundskeeper

The Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) and Audubon Mid-Atlantic (AMA) are partners in The Discovery Center, a public green space in East Fairmount Park that is dedicated to supporting the missions of the partners, presenting vibrant environmental education programs, and serving as a resource for residents, especially those in the nearby Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The Discovery Center is open to the public six days a week and closed on Mondays for cleaning and groundworks. 

The Building and Groundskeeper ensures the buildings and grounds of The Discovery Center are safe, clean, welcoming, functional for staff and visitors, and meet all applicable building and safety code requirements. 

This is a full time, 40 hr/week position that reports to the Facilities Operations Manager. The position works entirely on-site and will be required to work at least one weekend day each week. Daily hours are flexible, including early mornings and evenings. Occasional availability is needed in the case of emergencies. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure The Discovery Center (building and grounds, including the adjacent parking area) are litter-free, clean, welcoming and safe for all staff and visitors
• Dispose of all trash and recycling daily
• Maintain the gardens, watering, weeding and removing invasive species regularly, and planting new native plants and trees as needed
• Clean the building according to a daily and weekly schedule
• Conduct general repairs, maintenance, and groundskeeping, in conjunction with the Facilities Operations Manager and other staff
• Work with the Facilities Operations Manager and Center Staff to set up, clean up, and staff onsite events, including private rentals and public-facing programs
• Coordinate onsite grounds volunteer work with AMA and POBS staff
• Assist in supervision of seasonal facilities personnel, including Parks and Recreation Center Assistants
• Interface with contractors as needed
• Ensure all maintenance issues are handled in a timely, cost effective manner 
• Maintain and use power equipment needed for the building and grounds

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Order and inventory janitorial and maintenance supplies 
• Provide on-call assistance as needed
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Able to work nights and weekends as necessary
• Working knowledge of facilities, property management, and/or construction and building systems
• Ability to think creatively and make smart and cost effective recommendations 
• Ability to respond effectively to building problems and determine appropriate solutions
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of personnel & public
• Detail oriented with good organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a team member and give positive and constructive feedback
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Very strong and effective communicator
• Familiarity with Microsoft and Google Suite Tools
• Flexible, adaptable and open to change
• Strong personal motivation, initiative, follow through and commitment

Education and Work Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in building maintenance
• At least 1 year of experience in horticultural, groundskeeping, or landscaping work
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must possess a current and valid PA driver’s license
• Must procure and pass all required background clearance checks, including but not limited to: FBI, PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal Check, Drug Testing, MVR Driving Record Check 
• Ability to carry, lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds

Compensation & Benefits

• $20/hr
• This position is eligible for benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan, Paid Time Off and 401(k) retirement plan
•  Opportunities for professional development