Job Description: Maintenance Technician
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Type: Full-time, hourly
About ONSC:
Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We are Arkansas’ only residential science center and we provide hands-on, science-based learning experiences to students in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. We host school field trips, camps, weekend workshops, events, facility rentals, and more.
ONSC's mission is to strengthen the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of land, water, and wildlife in the Ozarks. At ONSC, we envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Through our dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration, we aim to empower others to preserve the diverse ecosystems and natural heritage of the Ozarks. Our Core Values are creating clear and engaging educational programs, providing hands-on experiences in the outdoors, and encouraging responsibility for the natural world.
Our 89-acre main campus includes an event center, education building, outdoor classroom, pavilion, observation deck, 3 lodges, and staff and guest housing. Our 8 miles of hiking trails are situated within AR Natural Heritage Commission’s 400-acre Bear Hollow Natural Area, which is nestled within the 14,500-acre McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area.
ONSC also has two urban locations. Our Lake Fayetteville education center is located at the border between Springdale and Fayetteville, and includes an education building with 2 classrooms, deck, dock, and paved and unpaved hiking trails. Our Kessler Mountain education center is located in Fayetteville, and facilities include a ½-mile interpretive loop trail, native plant and rain garden, and an indoor nature center.
Summary:
The Maintenance Technician is a part of the maintenance team of ONSC and is responsible for maintaining ONSC’s facilities, equipment, and grounds. The role ensures the safety of students, visitors, and staff while completing assigned routine and special tasks on time, within budget, and to quality standards. The ideal candidate can work both independently and collaboratively, maintain clear digital and interpersonal communication, and conduct themselves professionally in an educational environment. This position is an hourly position and reports to the Executive Director.
Required Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of: electrical, mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, construction, trail work, chainsaws, power tools, and vehicle maintenance.
- Able to pass a background check.
- A valid and current driver’s license.
- Must be self-motivated and able to identify and prioritize responsibilities to ensure function of educational programs.
- Must enjoy the outdoors.
Preferred Qualification:
- Living locally and can be on-call for emergencies. Option to live on ONSC’s campus.
- Experience working in maintenance for a large facility or on multiple properties.
- First aid/CPR certification and wilderness first aid certification.
- Chainsaw certification.
- Knowledge of forestry and Ozark topography.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide maintenance, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, as well as basic carpentry, and maintenance of equipment.
- Grounds maintenance includes but not limited to: tree cutting and trimming, grass cutting, surface drainage/erosion control, maintain pathways through campus, reduction of potential fire threats, maintain fire supplies, vegetation control around all buildings, and the use of tractor with box blade and front-end loader to maintain trails and roads.
- Coordination and trail work with Madison County Wildlife Management Area personnel, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission staff, ONSC staff, and volunteers.
- Inventory, maintenance, and organization of ONSC power tools, equipment, and supplies in the maintenance shop area. Coordinate and monitor use of equipment, supplies, and materials by other ONSC staff.
- Coordinate with Hospitality and Maintenance Manager in planning and prioritizing tasks for the upkeep of ONSC facilities and grounds.
- Routine maintenance of the ONSC vehicles including oil, battery and tire checks. Responsible for keeping an accurate log of all vehicle maintenance work.
- Maintain a current inventory and needs list for equipment and supplies.
- Follow and prioritize all task requests and then report on progress.
- Assist other ONSC staff on the safety team to provide first aid, evacuation, search and rescue, or other emergency situations following ONSC Safety Plan protocols.
- Assist in maintaining a maintenance budget and filing of expense reports.
Compensation:
- $18-$20 per hour, based on experience.
- Regular raises based on length of employment and performance.
- Paid Time Off (PTO), which includes vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave days
- Bonus PTO: up to 80 hours in December and up to 40 hours in August.
- Meals provided during work hours when school programs and camps are in session
- Optional employee-paid dental and vision insurance coverage
- Optional employee-paid life insurance
- Training opportunities including certifications (CPR, WFA, and CIG) paid for entirely or partly by ONSC for employees (dependent upon scheduling availability).
ONSC celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We seek employees, volunteers, and interns from a wide variety of backgrounds. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, education, culture, or any other federal, state or local protected class.
How to Apply:
- Please apply by completing the ONSC Employment Application, where you will be asked to upload your resume, cover letter, and 3 references: https://tinyurl.com/ApplyONSC
