Maintenance Assistant

Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: Rolling, review of applicants to begin immediately

Starting Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000 annually depending on qualifications 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF), located in Norfolk and Falls Village, Connecticut, invites applications for a Maintenance Assistant position. GMF is a 6,300-acre forest managed for forest health and resilience, biodiversity, forest products, research, education, and recreation. The Maintenance Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and upkeep of GMF's facilities, equipment, and natural areas, supporting execution of organization's mission.

This position provides the opportunity to grow on a facilities team that is responsible for various aspects of forest, property, and equipment maintenance. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of GMF's property manager and will receive training and mentorship from senior staff or sponsored certifications (such as Game of Logging™) where needed.

This is a full-time (40 hour/week) position with typical hours between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM (with a break for lunch) Monday through Friday, though occasional weekend hours may be required.

Responsibilities

Road and Trail Maintenance:

• Clear downed trees, branches, and leaves.
• Clean culverts and ditches.
• Cut and remove roadside hazard trees using chainsaw.
• Trim roadside brush and branches.
• Bushhog or mow roadsides and roadside pull-outs.
• Haul and spread gravel using dump trucks and tractors.
• Grade gravel roads with tractors (york rake and tow-behind grader).
• Repair and replace culverts (excavator and tractor work).
• Repair, maintain, and paint gates.
• Maintain and improve hiking trails.
• Monitor trail and road conditions through regular walks or drives.
• Build or repair wooden boardwalks.
• May occasionally supervise or work with volunteers or interns supporting the above tasks.

Building and Grounds Maintenance:

• Mow lawns and trim vegetation.
• Perform minor upkeep and repairs (carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, etc.).
• Handle trash removal, cleaning, and stocking.
• Organize, maintain, and inventory forestry and woodworking shops (tools and supplies).

Machinery & Equipment Maintenance:

• Perform routine maintenance on chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers, trucks, and tractors (e.g., oil changes, greasing, and minor repairs).
• Remove rust and repaint truck frames, truck beds, snow plows, and other equipment.
• Perform more advanced mechanical repairs as capable.

Firewood Production:

• Split approximately 15-20 cords of firewood annually for GMF facilities using hydraulic splitters and manual methods.

Rotational Mowing:

• Bushhog fields at least once per season using large and small tractors.

Property/Forest Maintenance:

• Post signage and monitor property boundaries.
• Assist foresters with forestry work as needed.

Snow Plowing:

• Plow snow as needed for GMF forestry yard, visitor parking areas, and other designated locations using trucks or tractors.

Maple Syrup Production:

• Assist with all aspects of maple syrup production, including clearing brush in sugarbush areas, repairing tubelines, tapping trees, collecting sap, boiling syrup, bottling syrup, and preparing equipment for the offseason.

Requirements and Expectations

• A desire to work for an organization that is dedicated to forests and their communities.
• Experience with and ability to use hand tools, chainsaws, tractors, and other equipment relevant to position.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs. and traverse uneven and hilly terrain.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including in the presence of biting insects.
• Maturity and judgment to work safely and responsibly.
• Occasional weekend work is required.

Additional Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working in or studying natural resources or nonprofits.
• Mechanical knowledge for more advanced equipment repairs.
• Experience in carpentry or woodworking.
• Interest or experience in maple syrup production.
• Experience in logging, landscaping, herbicide use, and vegetation management.

Benefits

• Paid vacation (including federal holidays), sick leave, and personal days.
• Retirement plan with up to 5% employer match.
• Workman’s compensation insurance.
• Subsidized health insurance.
• Gear and training allowance.