About this Opportunity
Join the City of Hillsboro Parks and Recreation team as a Nature Maintenance Worker for Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. As a Nature Maintenance Worker, you will perform a variety of tasks to help maintain the areas surrounding the Wetlands Nature Center, outdoor assets, trails, and natural areas throughout the Preserve both for the enjoyment of our community and for the diverse array of animal and plant life that thrive at Jackson Bottom.
Nestled within the city limits of Hillsboro, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve spans 635 acres, offering a unique wildlife preserve experience. From interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife to panoramic views, natural resource management, trails, and recreation, Jackson Bottom is a regional treasure. Join our team and be part of an environment where we value connecting water, wildlife, and people through meaningful experiences.
What You Will Be Doing
As a Nature Maintenance Worker, you will primarily work with our year-round Nature Maintenance Worker to ensure the general upkeep of demonstration gardens, facility assets, trails, and natural areas. Responsibilities will also include assisting the Nature Education Supervisor with seasonal events at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Center, aiding the Community Gardens Coordinator in the success of the Hillsboro's Community Gardens Program, and completing a variety of ecological work for Jackson Bottom’s Watershed Restoration Coordinator.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the facility parking lots, vault toilet, porta-potties, and trails by removing garbage, debris, or graffiti.
• Maintain trails so that they are easily navigable for people with all levels of outdoor experience and physical ability, including clipping, brush cutting, and string-trimming.
• Operate powered-tools like push-mowers and string-trimmers to ensure our natural areas are clear for scheduled field trips and classes.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and placing nursery plant material in restoration areas.
• Support community stewardship and volunteer events throughout the Preserve.
• Interact respectfully with patrons and provide information as needed.
• Perform a range of tasks as part of a small team and at times, works independently.

This position falls under the Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker job classification. For full details click here
Current & Upcoming Projects

• Ensure routine irrigation of uplands and sensitive trees throughout the Preserve using an electric-vehicle and large portable water storage container.
• Mount bird boxes on posts in the spring, then remove and clean them for storage in the fall.
• Maintain demonstration gardens in uplands by rocking trails, mulching, pulling weeds, planting natives, and mowing.
• Clean or replace trail signs and other assets along the trail system.
• Complete time-sensitive projects like fencing trees to deter beavers before flood events or scouring the Preserve in search of invasive species before they flower and spread.

Ideal Candidates Will Have

• Knowledge of and experience identifying native plants and common weeds.
• Knowledge of natural resources and their application in natural area stewardship.
• A commitment to excellent customer service, fostering positive interactions with both customers and colleagues through professional and courteous behavior.
• Landscaping or natural area maintenance experience.
• Experience using powered gardening/landscaping tools (push-mower, hedge-trimmer, string-trimmer etc.)

Acceptable Qualifications

• Some maintenance and repair experience specific to functional area of assignment; or
• Any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licensing/Certification

• Possession of a valid State Driver’s License, and a safe driving record;
• Ability to attend work on a regular, predictable basis as scheduled;
• Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment.

This position falls under the Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker job classification. For full details click here
Recruitment Timeline

• Open: 4/8/24
• Close: 5/5/24
• Interviews: Week of 5/20 – 5/24
• Selection: Week of 5/27- 5/31

Please note this timeline may be subject to change based on the needs of the City.
Commitment to Equity
Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas