Coordinator, Grounds and Maintenance

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in Audubon, Pennsylvania, is a National Historic Landmark and the first American home of artist and naturalist John James Audubon. The center sits on a 175-acre estate along the Perkiomen Creek, providing a haven for birds, wildlife, and outdoor exploration. The property includes more than seven miles of trails that wind through diverse habitats such as mature woodlands, meadows, riparian corridors, and open fields, offering excellent opportunities for birding and nature observation.

The site features a state-of-the-art visitor center with interactive exhibits on birds, conservation, and Audubon’s life and legacy, as well as the historic Mill Grove House, a three-story stone farmhouse built in 1762 that now serves as a museum.

Together, the center’s historic, educational, and natural resources make it a unique destination where visitors can connect with the region’s cultural heritage while experiencing the habitats and wildlife of southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Reporting to the Manager, Center Operations, the Coordinator, Grounds & Maintenance will support the daily operations at John James Audubon Center. The work includes land and habitat management and improvements, maintenance building systems (i.e. plumbing, gutters, minor electrical, painting, carpentry, etc.)  and equipment, ensuring accessible and safe grounds experiences for the visiting public, and the engagement and monitoring of volunteers.

Compensation:

$25.91 - $27.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

• Maintain grounds, buildings, equipment, boats, and vehicles.

• Maintain property signage along interior boundaries.

• Create clean, safe and pleasant environment for visitors and event guests through proper and proactive maintenance of the grounds, vehicles and equipment.

• Operate and oversee top working order of equipment required to maintain grass, meadows, forests and trails. In addition, plow snow, treat surfaces for ice, trim trees and perform routine maintenance of equipment and/or arrange for necessary professional services.

• Maintain grounds and native habitats for the benefit of birds and people; recommend practices and projects to create optimal habitats.

• Co-create and coordinate with the Visitor Experience Manager and Center Director a work order system to prioritize needs and plan for appropriate budgeting and staffing; maintain inventory and maintenance records for equipment and vehicles

• Be available to respond to emergency issues.

• Prepare for storms to protect property assets and conduct cleanup/repairs following storm impact.

• Maintain a working knowledge of Audubon’s conservation priorities and help plan conservation demonstration projects at the Center.

• Participate in Audubon and Audubon Mid-Atlantic all-staff calls and staff working groups,

• Proactively suggest solutions to operating challenges.

• Other job-related duties, including manual labor tasks, as required.

• Work schedule will include some weekends or evenings.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school diploma, vocational school certificate or equivalent a plus.

• At least three years of experience in land management. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Basic knowledge of habitat management and bird and plant identification.

• Ability to maintain, operate and maintain hand and gasoline-operated tools.

• Experience with basic trades including plumbing, carpentry and electrical.

• Ability to effectively coordinate with other staff and interact positively with visitors to the Center and others in the community.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as alone.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working conditions and terrains with or without accommodation.

• Ability to safely traverse wet or unstable environments with or without accommodation.

• Willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.

• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and professional work ethic; be punctual and reliable.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to personal transportation.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.  

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.  

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.  

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.  

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.