Grounds Specialist - LTE

Organization and Position Overview

This LTE (limited term employment) position will spend most of the time outside working on the garden, equipment, center pivot and lawn irrigation systems, exterior building maintenance, and landscaping regardless of weather. A smaller portion of time will be dedicated to interior work and on-the-job training. The position is a highly visible member of FFEC and will be approached by the public frequently requiring the highest quality public service skills. Expect work to be interrupted. These activities will require the regular lifting of 50lbs and infrequent lifting of up to 100lbs at a time. Use of ladders, material handlers, light and heavy machinery is inherent to the position. There will be times when pesticides are used under the supervision of a trained applicator. All PPE and safety training will be provided by FFEC.

Food Farm Exploration Center (F FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agriculture innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agriculture literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.

Essential Responsibilities

• Landscaping duties include lawn mowing, trimming, edging, irrigation maintenance/repair, pesticide application, landscape bed maintenance, planting, lawn seeding/repair, and pruning.
• Gardening duties include the maintenance, planting, weeding, trimming, harvesting, and other duties as needed.
• Equipment Maintenance duties include greasing, lubricating, cleaning, sharpening blades, adjusting fluid levels, setup of planting, tillage, harvesting, and other equipment needs as they arise.
• Other duties include but are not limited to agricultural work and assistance with FFEC programs, snow removal, storm damage remediation, and other miscellaneous items as directed by the Grounds and Maintenance Manager and Operations Director.

Required and Desired Skills

• Punctuality and attendance
• Communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Observant and attentive
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Regularly lift 50lbs and occasionally 100lbs
• Use of ladders and elevated work platforms
• Familiarity with hand and power tools
• Familiarity with lawn equipment Heavy equipment (loader, skid steer, forklift, etc.)
• Agricultural equipment (tractors, tillage, harvesters, etc.)
• Knowledge of commercial lawncare
• Knowledge of irrigation systems
• Pesticide Applicator Licensing
• Minor Plumbing
• Minor Electrical
• Carpentry

Physical Demands

• Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to climb ladders and other physical requirements including but not limited to; stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to work in any combination of hot, humid, cold, wet, windy, and icy conditions

Instructions for Applicants

Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document to hello@fftf.us by April 4, 2025 as follows:

• A cover letter describing your qualifications for this position including your interest/understanding of the Food Farm Exploration Center,
• A current resume and
• Three professional references with names and your relationship (references will not be contacted until a candidate has been notified).

Exploration Center Commitments

• This position is limited term employment (LTE) running primarily from March to November while not exceeding 830 hours annually. Base pay from $14/hr to $18/hr dependent on skill and qualifications. Annual offers to return are based on performance reviews and discretion of FFEC.
• Complimentary employee membership and discounts
• Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen and reference checks.
• All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.

Food Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.

Food Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at the Food Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal

Pay: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Plover, WI 54467: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $18