Park Caretaker- Idema Explorer's Camp at Ottawa Sands

This is a part-time year-round position with hours that will vary based on season and camp occupancy but will generally work a 5-to-8-hour shift between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm including weekdays, weekends, and some holidays.


Under the direction of a Parks Supervisor, performs general labor tasks related to the cleaning and maintenance of parklands, repair of buildings and grounds, and improvements to the park. Enforces the established rules of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission based on specific guidelines.  Prepares the yurts, treehouses, and campsites at the Idema Explorer’s Camp (IEC) for guests to arrive daily. Maintains and monitors the camp, enforces rules, and/or operates the camp store and information desk at the IEC Welcome Center. Helps to maintain the remainder of the park and nearby parks.  The essential functions of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provides general labor required for the cleaning and maintaining of public areas, restrooms, hallways, kitchen areas, grills, and fireplace(s) in assigned facilities including but not limited to washing windows, unplugging drains and toilets, changing light bulbs, snow and ice removal, and trash, recyclables, and litter collection.
2. Operates washing and drying equipment to clean bedroom and bath linens provided by IEC to park guests.  This includes the washing, folding, and storing of linens.
3. Greets guests in the IEC visitor’s center by operating the camp store and helping visitors check in to their rental unit ensuring the guests have a key card or access to one on their mobile devices. Responds to specific requests by park patrons.
4. Take reservations via phone, email, or in person and manage the camp store including the inventory, sales, and use of the point-of-sale software.
5. Picking up litter around the outside of the unit. 
6. Operates a variety of commercial mowers, golf carts, edgers, and other turf and grass maintenance equipment.
7. Operates landscaping machinery as needed including tractors, chippers, and other equipment. Trims trees, remove downed trees, and chips accumulated brush.
8. Checks and/or changes fluids and filters; lubricates moving mechanical parts; checks batteries, tire pressure, and tread wear; and performs other preventative maintenance for park vehicles and equipment.
9. Performs trail maintenance including surface maintenance and tree trimming/removal.
10. Paints buildings, various park fixtures, and signs.
11. Inspects, identifies, repairs, or replaces damaged, deteriorated, or obsolete signage, structures, features, landscape forms, and park fixtures.
12. Operates a variety of power tools such as saws, drills, sanders, routers, etc. for repair and improvement of park facilities.
13. Transports equipment from park site to park site.
14. Performs other duties/functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience
Must be 16 years of age or older, graduation from high school or GED preferred.  Applicants under the age of 18 must be able to provide a work permit, which requires permission from a parent or legal guardian. Depending on the needs of the specific park location some applicants will be required to be 18 years of age or older to operate certain equipment and vehicles. 

Licenses and Certifications:
 A valid Michigan Driver's License may be required for some positions.

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Basic knowledge of the hospitality industry with experience in hotel or campground operations, commercial cleaning, and customer service.
2. Working knowledge of the proper use of manual and power tools commonly used in the cleaning or maintenance trade.
3. Working knowledge of grounds maintenance.
4. Ability to layout work efficiently to minimize man-hours and materials required to properly complete work.
5. Knowledge of OSHA/MIOSHA occupational health and safety rules, regulations, requirements, and safety protocols and practices.
6. Ability to interact positively and constructively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and members of the general public with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

 Physical Requirements: 

1. Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to visually align components of structural features, equipment, operating systems, etc.; accurately read gauges and take measurements; and identify damage to or deterioration of facility features, fixtures, furnishings, operating systems and components thereof.
2. Must have sufficient auditory ability, with or without audiological devices, to hear alarms, other warning signals, and vehicle signals indicating backward or forward motion.
3. Must be able to ascend/descend ladders to access features, fixtures, systems, and/or components thereof located in ceilings or on rooftops.
4. Must have sufficient manual strength and dexterity to use small hand and power tools.
5. Must be able to lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without mechanical or other assistance.
6. Must have sufficient strength and mobility in wrists, elbows, and shoulders to operate manual and power tools commonly used in the hotel or campground maintenance trade.
7. Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures; dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions.
8. Must be able to tolerate exposure to custodial and other chemicals, solvents, adhesives, caulks and other compounds and chemicals commonly used in facilities maintenance.
9. Must be able to enter and maneuver in confined spaces to access mechanical rooms and operating systems.
10. Must be able to wear all required safety clothing and equipment.

 Working Conditions: 
This job may include hazards such as moving machinery and electrical equipment, noxious fumes, dust, dirt, and other particles in the air, extreme temperatures and humidity, solvents, detergents, noise, and more and with possible exposure to a variety of disease agents and to bloodborne pathogens. The employee may also need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
 
 Disclaimer:
 This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $16