Seasonal Natural Resources Tech

Seasonal Natural Resources Technician

Department: Art and Nature Park

Position Type: Full Time, Seasonal

Hourly or Salary: Hourly

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour

Overview

Newfields is seeking a Seasonal Natural Resources Technician to work collaboratively within our team structure to implement projects and maintenance support for The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. This position is integral in performing the general, daily maintenance of the park, invasive species removal, and the implementation of projects during the 2026 growing season. The Seasonal Natural Resources Technician is a full-time, 32-week position with hours including weekends and holidays.

Tasks and responsibilities include trash removal and general maintenance of Fairbanks Park; mowing and other grounds maintenance including soil work, edging, mulching, laying sod, installing grass seed and straw mat; care of native garden spaces, including weeding, pruning, and planting; invasive species removal, including the proper use of herbicide treatment; hazard tree removal and care using power equipment; erosion mitigation; other tasks which focus on creating dynamic native plant and wildlife habitats; and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

•  Trash removal throughout the park
• Soil work and turf establishment involved with major projects throughout the park
• Operate equipment as assigned including mowers, weed-eaters, lawn edgers, backhoe, chainsaw, chipper, forestry mower, loaders, stump grinders, trencher/pullers, box grader, and others
• Provide support for projects by participating in large scale ground preparation, planting, and post-planting care
• Assist in implementation of master plan projects, including sculpture installation and the ongoing maintenance of the Wild Birds Unlimited Pollinator Meadow and other gardens
• Perform horticultural maintenance tasks, including planting, weeding, pruning, laying sod, snow removal, trash removal, and pesticide application
• Serve as a Newfields ambassador in the Art and Nature Park through excellent service and guest relations, responding to any number of internal or external requests for assistance
• Work with volunteer groups on a variety of small or large group projects
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Experience with sod and grass seed establishment
• Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools, including pesticide application equipment.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems including basic plumbing and irrigation knowledge (or willingness to learn)
• Native and invasive plant identification skills sufficient to pull weeds in garden spaces and remove invasive plants from forested areas
• Operational skills on wide range of grounds equipment, including backhoe, chainsaw, tractor loader, mowers, etc. (or willingness to learn)
• General knowledge of mechanics sufficient to recognize the existence of mechanical problems and preventative maintenance practices to avoid preventable damage to equipment
• Ability to evaluate changing weather conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding snow and ice removal
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; and apply common sense to carry out detailed written or oral instructions
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one or small group settings to guests, volunteers, or internal staff
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages – sufficient to calibrate equipment and make errorless calculations on pesticide application rates
• Ability to follow safety procedures when working with mechanical and chemical equipment
• Ability to identify hazards, debris, and anything out of place and fix issues independently

Education and/or Experience 

• High school diploma or specialized education
• One to three years related experience and/or training in the natural resources preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands of Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of that that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; drag, push, or pull materials and equipment; drive and operate equipment; and use tools including saws and herbicides. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but is sometimes very loud. The employee is required to work in all weather conditions including snow, rain, extreme heat and extreme cold. Dust and debris are often present in the air and on surfaces. Walking surfaces are sometimes steep, slippery, extremely muddy, and may contain trip hazards.

Salary : $18