Meadowkirk partners with Cornerstone Chapel on events.

Job Position: Maintenance & Grounds Technician

The Maintenance & Grounds Technician at Christian retreat ministry Meadowkirk at Delta Farm (www.meadowkirk.org) will be an experienced team member focused on performing hands-on facilities and site maintenance, including: ongoing repairs, modifications and minor construction projects that typically involve carpentry, drywall, painting, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical; landscaping activity and related equipment repairs and servicing; and other minor mechanical and electrical equipment repairs.

Potential on-site housing.  Full- or part-time hourly arrangements to be considered.

Meadowkirk is 358 acres of pastoral and wooded nature serving as a place of year-round retreat, respite and renewal for the many church groups, nonprofits, educational organizations, businesses and others we serve.  The campus includes more than 15 buildings and other structures/facilities spanning three centuries of site history.

Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Take hands-on role in maintaining facilities, grounds, roads, vehicles and equipment so that they are clean, safe, in good repair and can provide the highest level of safety, comfort and aesthetics for guests and staff
• Perform routine inspections of all facilities and grounds to help ensure good working order, identifying items in need of repair or modification, keeping interiors and exteriors in attractive appearance, and helping to prioritize repairs and other site work
• Take lead role in developing maintenance-related plans and schedules, providing regular updates to Executive Director and other team members
• Perform routine maintenance based on a regularly updated preventative maintenance plan that includes Meadowkirk facilities, grounds, systems and equipment
• Prepare facilities and grounds for seasonal change
• Maintain solid understanding of key Meadowkirk operating systems – including fire monitoring and alarms, HVAC, plumbing and septic, electric, IT and elevator. Help troubleshoot system problems and take timely action to repair them, and/or supervise related service and repair providers
• Manage and assess maintenance-related vendor relationships, engaging vendor alternatives as necessary. Have ability to manage multiple vendors and contractors effectively
• Assist in tracking maintenance-related expenses to help achieve Meadowkirk’s maintenance-related financial objectives; work with Executive Director and bookkeeping function to help ensure accurate billing, timely payments and accurate accounting against budgeted categories
• Wherever possible, prioritize in-house maintenance and repair solutions over engaging outside service providers
• Maintain proper inventory of maintenance-related equipment and supplies. Place timely orders for equipment and supplies, within budget and with proper approvals
• Help monitor maintenance team hourly/seasonal utilization to help ensure alignment with Meadowkirk budget and financial model; submit detailed timesheets and help to review and oversee timesheet submissions from other maintenance and grounds team members
• Assist Executive Director in preparing maintenance-related internal reporting; help in developing maintenance-related elements of Meadowkirk’s budgets and related documents

Grounds

• Help maintain grounds, trails and farm-to-table areas year round to help ensure Meadowkirk’s safe and effective operation and aesthetic appeal
• Assist in a variety of seasonal landscaping/hardscaping duties which may include participating in mowing, weed whacking and weed removal, mulching, bush hogging, hedge trimming, leaf clean up, snow plowing and shoveling, pressure washing, etc.
• Perform the safe operation of farm tractors and implements, UTVs, chainsaws, push mowers, zero turn mowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers, pressure washers, rototillers, scissor lifts, and other equipment as needed
• Inspect trees, initiate thinning/trimming and/or supervise contracted tree maintenance services as needed
• Maintain continual safe access (including both roads and trails) for guests, staff, utility companies and vendors; perform the periodic application of resurfacing millings/materials based on roadway conditions

Guest Retreat Support

• Assist with guest space set ups and tear downs per retreat bookings requirements, which may include: moving and arranging chairs, tables, A/V equipment, bed frames and mattresses, and other items as assigned
• Make sure adequate supplies of firewood are available and arranged for guest group use
• Perform (or oversee) the duties of Certified Pool Operator. Assist with pool cleaning, vacuuming and maintenance, maintaining pool system equipment and administering chemicals. Help ensure implementation of pool safety-related protocols (e.g., coordinating timely facility inspections, repairs and signage)

Safety and Compliance

• Coordinate and participate in periodic agency and vendor inspections; help ensure timely compliance with and proper filing of facilities and grounds-related certifications
• Help develop emergency procedures, updating them as needed. Develop and maintain contact with fire, police and emergency service departments. Follow all safety and emergency procedures
• Perform all safety checks as necessary, including replacing/servicing fire extinguishers, smoke/heat detectors, and other alarm devices
• Help track weather reports to help make timely response/contingency plans for guests and staff
• Monitor utilities for proper operation, utilize outside services as needed to ensure proper operation
• Maintain Meadowkirk vehicles in good operating condition. Repair as able or coordinate outside repair of vehicles
• Keep maintenance shop and related areas orderly and clean

Other Requirements

• Maintain a strong focus on warm, welcoming and unobtrusive guest group service, personal dependability and team work, details and deadlines, personal/professional organization, proactive problem solving and overall excellence
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures. Finish tasks efficiently, on time and completely, with strong focus on cost management. Provide timely/routine updates to Executive Director and other team members
• Work collaboratively with Meadowkirk team to help support staff in ensuring a consistently premier guest experience
• Help train new maintenance and grounds staff as needed
• Help staff maintain reasonable proficiency in key maintenance-related protocols, requirements and best practices
• Help to serve diverse cultures and socio-economic groups so that guests are welcomed and included
• Participate in other related duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will be available to participate in a flexible work schedule involving mostly weekday and occasional weekend assignments. This schedule will be determined in advance based on Meadowkirk’s guest bookings and operating requirements.

Position requires:

• Heavy lifting, climbing and work on ladders and/or elevated platforms
• Ability to stand, sit, stoop, bend or kneel for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in a range of weather conditions which may include heat, cold, rain, snow, wind and other inclement weather

Candidates will be Christian team players actively engaged in living out their faith. Min. 3-5 years of relevant, hands-on experience in maintenance and grounds activities with strong verifiable work references and strong verbal/written skills.

High school diploma, U.S. citizenship and valid Virginia driver’s license required. Compensation commensurate with experience, and based on factors such as full-/part-time status and potential use of on-site housing.  Satisfactory background check required.