This position is open until filled. 

Position Description

The Facility Assistant provides hands-on support to the mission of The Nature Place by ensuring that the building and grounds are welcoming, safe, and functioning properly. Thousands of guests visit The Nature Place annually. Proper maintenance and cleaning are instrumental in creating positive experiences that connect our community members to nature and to each other.  This is a new position that is being created to help oversee the growing maintenance and event set up/tear down needs.

This position is responsible for preventative and routine maintenance and general upkeep of TNP. The Facility Assistant is responsible for the effective, cost-efficient, and timely management of facilities functions in the most environmentally sensitive manner. Under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager, this position works with the TNP team and daily operations to ensure the success of our programs and visitors’ experience. Candidates must be hardworking, reliable, self-motivated, and take pride in their work.

Time Requirements:
Typical schedule includes an average of 20 hours a week, including weekday afternoons, with some nights and weekends.

Organization Overview

The Nature Place (TNP) is a nature-focused community center open to the public, located in beautiful Myrick Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. We offer nature education programs and community events for all ages and our unique space is available to visit during open hours or to rent for special events and meetings. The Nature Place is your space, year-round, rain or shine.

The Nature Place, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Nature Place is a division of Central Conservation, a 501(c) nonprofit organization, formerly known as WisCorps.

The Nature Place occupies Native American ancestral land. Read our Land Acknowledgement here: natureplacelacrosse.org/about/land-acknowledgement

 Responsibilities

  • Routine cleaning to supplement contracted cleaning service, such as emptying trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning surfaces, bathroom toilets, urinals, sinks, and drinking fountains as needed
  • Routine preventative maintenance such as fire extinguisher, AED and emergency light inspections, furnace filter replacements, water softener upkeep, assess condensation buildup from sprinkler system, water heater and compressor
  • Assess and take the lead on minor repairs such as battery or lightbulb replacements, furniture repairs, technical issues
  • Utilize current tracking systems and communications with facility contractors for large repairs (i.e. plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
  • Assist in maintaining a safe environment for all staff, volunteers and visitors by ensuring that policies and procedures are being followed
  • Identify and report any safety issues to the Visitor Services Manager
  • Larger projects such as painting, wall washing, carpet cleaning, washing out garbage cans, cleaning light fixtures, windows and frames, kitchen cupboards, and appliances
  • Grounds upkeep such as trash removal, weed removal, leaf blowing, snow shoveling and power washing, as well as maintaining the general aesthetic of the grounds/facility
  • Other general maintenance, such as staff vehicle upkeep
  • Assist with venue rental event set up and post event re-set of the facility, especially for weddings and large events where the furniture needs to be moved
  • Communicate to the Facility Rental Coordinator any problems, success, potential issues, updates
  • Weekend event prep
  • Take on event on-call role within 6mos of hire
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Remain drug free and refrain from use of alcohol or tobacco while on duty

Trainings

  • The Nature Place Orientation, including essential tasks, safety protocols, organizational history & mission, etc...
  • Sexual Harassment training
  • Additional training tailored to the position

Qualifications

  • Good client/customer service skills
  • Ability to lift 20 lbs
  • Ability to climb/descend a ladder and stairway
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks
  • Proficient communication and interpersonal skills
  • Highly self-motivated, hardworking, confident, and autonomous
  • Basic knowledge of cleaning and cleaning products or willing to learn
  • Willing to accept constructive criticism
  • Ready to undergo a criminal background check
  • Believe in The Nature Place mission and willing to implement The Nature Place policies and procedures

TNP provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability, and need to access information in an alternative format, or need it translated into another language, please contact us at 608-782-2494, by email at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.

Details

Part-time Position

Average 20 hour per week

Variable schedule, including nights and weekends.

Starting wage $16 - $18 per hour, depending on experience.

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume to Visitor Services Manager, Amber Mande, at amber.mande@natureplacelacrosse.org.