Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center
Facilities/Safety Coordinator (FSC) Job Description
https://www.jughandlecreekfarm.org/
Location: Caspar, CA (Must reside within 20 minutes)
Our Vision
We envision a future where the diversity of the natural world and humanity flourish – together.
About Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center (JHNC) is a nonprofit retreat and nature education center located on 33 acres along the Mendocino Coast. We offer affordable lodging and camping for nature lovers, environmental education programs, and event spaces for retreats, school groups, and special gatherings. Booking revenue funds our mission of environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement.
Among meadows and forests, we have the capacity for up to 142 guests. Our facilities include a large Victorian farmhouse with seven bedrooms; the adjacent Top of Hill Meeting Room and auxiliary spaces; three rustic cabins; two new cottages; a Bunkhouse with four guestrooms, a shared kitchen and large meeting room; eleven campsites with two adjacent bathroom buildings for up to 100 campers; a Native Plant Nursery and other miscellaneous outbuildings.
The Facilities/Safety Coordinator (FSC), who reports to the Executive Director (ED), plays a critical role in maintaining the site appearance, repair, and safety of all the grounds at Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center. The position includes groundskeeping, maintenance, repairs, light carpentry, and firewood management. The ability to work and communicate well with others, including staff, guests and outside contractors is required.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Grounds Maintenance
Repair and maintenance areas in and around the farmhouse, bunkhouse, cabins, and campground. (When in doubt about any of the following repairs, know the experts to call for help for electrical, plumbing, tree removal, etc.)
Conduct minor building repairs such as patching leaks, trapping rodents, fixing faulty electrical, repairing windows, replacing a switch, etc.
Regularly contact and oversee experts to service and maintain specialized equipment such as on-demand water heaters, electrical, and plumbing.
Keep the landscape around the farmhouse, bunkhouse, and creamery watered, tidy, and weeded.
Install fencing and signage as needed.
Assess and contact outside contractor for hazard tree removal/trimming as required throughout campground and all facilities.
Keep trails clear and maintained, including trees, brush, and fallen logs.
Mow the front/back fields and around the camping areas on a regular basis.
When significant maintenance tasks are observed, inform the Executive Director.
Customer Service
Team with Guest Service Coordinator, Guest Host and Housekeepers to ensure that the farmhouse, cabins, and campground are prepared for guests and groups, and perform repairs as needed. Remove trash from the campground, take out trash, compost, and recycling, haul debris, clean fire pits/fireplaces, build fires at fireplaces and stock wood.
Answer guest questions and provide a positive guest experience.
Security & Safety
Be responsible for ensuring that JHNC is a safe place for visitors.
Be alert to unauthorized use of the facilities and contact the Executive Director and local law enforcement authorities as needed to maintain security.
Ensure that life and safety measures are in place, maintained, and operating (e.g., smoke alarms, security lighting, fire extinguishers inspections, and wood stove and water systems maintained.)
Demonstrate an ability to work with JHNC Safety Consultant and the JHNC Executive Director (ED) to understand and perform:
Safety procedures per JHNC Illness and Injury Prevention Program as it relates to your work in all buildings and on the property, and to advise and train staff as requested by ED.
Procedures and policies outlined in the JHNC Emergency Action Plan , including working with staff and guests in an emergency situation (medical, fire, severe weather, power outage, etc.)
Work with the ED to lead the effort required by the JHNC Hazard Communications Plan regarding hazardous materials (inventory, maintain binder of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), container labeling, storage and handling procedures, emergency response, guest safety, etc.) plus recordkeeping and oversight/training of others when requested by ED.
Support to the ED regarding the policies and procedures in the JHNC Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, including property assessments for risks as outlined in the plan, and work to minimize them.
Oversee all JHNC Safety Policies and support the ED to ensure their compliance, including leading Safety Trainings for staff.
Provide onsite support as necessary to guests, staff and ED should security/safety situations arise.
Become certified in First Aid, CPR, and Narcan training, and others as outlined in JHNC policies.
Maintain onsite emergency signage, evacuation plans and other items necessary to maintain site safety and keep guests informed.
Be the designated First Aid responder as scheduled.
Administrative
Attend Staff Meetings and trainings as scheduled by the ED.
Reports to Executive Director and meets regularly (at least twice a month) to recommend and implement operations improvements and take direction regarding work tasks.
Document work tasks and hours to complete and provide to ED each pay period with timesheets, including taking required breaks/lunch breaks and clocking in and out for each.
Qualifications & Skills
Required
High School Diploma and 5+ years’ experience performing facilities management, construction, project engineer, facilities & grounds maintenance and repairs, safety procedures, or some combination.
Basic knowledge of construction methods and tools for electrical, plumbing, sprinkler systems, carpentry and how to perform minor repairs and maintenance on new, old and historical buildings.
Ability to understand and oversee the operation of site-wide systems (electrical, plumbing, sewer, water management, etc.), including knowing when to contact and work with outside experts on systems maintenance and repair
Knowledge and experience with the use, safe-handling and operation of grounds maintenance equipment, including the use of mowers, weed wackers and other power and handheld equipment, with some ability to repair and keep in good working order.
Comfortable using technology for internet research to problem solve, order supplies. and email/text, as well as maintain records, logs and schedules for tasks as outlined for facilities/maintenance, and per JHNC Security and Safety Policies
Health and safety awareness and knowledge, and ability to work with experts and train staff.
A good service ethos and a can-do, proactive, energetic attitude towards your work and people.
Courtesy and professionalism with guests and staff.
Attention to detail with the ability to prioritize.
Honesty and integrity with willingness to adhere to and implement JHNC policies.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, good driving record, reside within 20 minutes of Jug Handle.
Must possess a cell phone for calls, email, and text messages, and be willing to install Apps as required to work at JHNC.
Ability to lift 40 lbs., climb stairs, bend and weed, and navigate uneven terrain.
Preferred
Familiarity with and respect for Mendocino Coast plants, landscape, and wildlife.
Knowledge of and/or relationships with local suppliers and contractors.
Bilingual with ability to read/write in English/Spanish a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
● Pay: Hourly at $30-35/hour.
● Hours: Part-time at 24 hours per week, plus overtime, with some weekends and holidays. Varies seasonally.
● Benefits: Holidays, vacation and sick leave per JHNC Employment Policy. Individual may participate in the California’s Cal Savers retirement saving program. This position does not provide medical or dental benefits.
Work Perks & Additional Benefits
● Immersion in nature! Work in a 33-acre coastal retreat surrounded by hiking trails, meadows, and forested areas.
● Engaging & Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that values sustainability, education, and community building.
● Opportunities for growth: Future potential for expanded responsibilities and leadership based on skills and initiative.
How to Apply
If you have a passion for hospitality, sustainability, and community engagement, sent your resume, references, and a cover letter.
The above job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Other duties as needed may apply.
Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a background check.
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and supporting an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to nondiscrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Jug Handle Creek Farm considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
