Grass Cutting and Trimming

Position: Grass Cutting and Trimming

Purpose of the Position: Help maintain our open grass areas on the property and around program/activity areas

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Complete Covid-19 Screening Questionnaire prior to start of shift, have temperature taken upon arrival and sign in before commencing work
• Wear appropriate PPE for the work assigned as directed by Volunteer Coordinator
• Meet with Volunteer Coordinator at the start of each shift to obtain equipment needed and receive instruction
• Inspect areas to be mowed or trimmed for any potential hazards prior to commencing
• Mow and trim assigned open grass areas and around program/activity areas
• Direct any questions or concerns throughout your shift to the Volunteer Coordinator, including safety issues i.e. faulty equipment, low fuel/fluid levels, trip hazards, etc.
• Return equipment to Volunteer Coordinator at the end of shift and sign out

Level of Difficulty 1=easy/5=demanding (physical, mental, emotional): 

• Physical difficulty is level 2 to 4; requires moderate physical activities for majority of the shift if using trimmer or push mower, including walking distances over uneven terrain, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and working outside. Mild to moderate if operating riding mower
• Mental difficulty is level 2; requires training, and/or demonstration of skills, following instructions, rules and procedures
• Emotional difficulty is level 1; role does not involve emotionally-charged issues or situations

Expected Environmental Conditions: All of the work is performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions which can include extreme heat (There is access to shaded areas, restrooms, drinking water). Must be comfortable wearing a face mask as per public health regulations in regards to Covid-19. Allergy Alert: Contact with invasive weeds, native and non-native plant materials, possibility of encountering bees, wasps, mosquitos, ticks or other insects

Orientation/Training: Orientation includes history and tour of Heartland Forest, description of rules, policies and procedures, overview of programs and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers will be trained on the particular aspects of their role, including required PPE and safety. Volunteers should attend the orientation wearing closed, rubber-soled shoes.

Position Start Date: Ongoing April to October

Initial Minimum Commitment: Will be determined on an individual basis based on volunteer’s skills, availability and Heartland Forest’s project/maintenance requirements. Volunteers should be available to contribute no less than 1.5hrs in a shift to a maximum of 3hrs, with a minimum commitment of 4 shifts

Scheduling Guidelines: Shifts available between the hours of 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm on specific dates to be determined

Qualifications/Requirements for Volunteer Applicants:

• Able to use standard gardening equipment/hand tools, including a wheelbarrow or pulling a garden cart
• Able to kneel, sit and/or stand for the duration of the shift
• Able to bend, rotate, lift, carry tools, buckets etc.
• Able to provide own steel toed shoes/boots, work gloves, water bottle (which can be refilled onsite), sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellant if/as needed
• Previous experience operating the equipment need for the task required
• Happy to work alone or as part of a team

Restrictions:

• Must be at least 18 years old with some previous experience
• Must have reliable transportation and arrive on time for shifts
• Must wear steel toed shoes/boots, long pants, safety glasses. Safety ear muffs and shield as required
• Must learn and follow Heartland Forest policies, procedures and work within Workplace Health and Safety Guidelines
• Must submit the required paperwork, complete orientation and training before being assigned

Tools/Equipment Provided (including Personal Protective Equipment): Motorized equipment needed for the work. For trimmer, safety ear muffs and shield. Face masks are available. Note: Due to Covid-19 safety protocols we request you bring your own work/gardening gloves, safety glasses and ear plugs if needed

Optional Tools/Equipment: Any personal protective equipment you prefer to work with in lieu of Heartland Forest’s, provided it meets safety requirements

Supervisor(s): Volunteer Coordinator

Number of Volunteer Openings: 2

Additional Information: Nothing in this position description restricts Heartland Forest’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Heartland Forest is not responsible for any volunteers lost, stolen or damaged personal property

How to Apply: email