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Path Maintenance/ General Grounds Keeping

Position: Pathway Maintenance

Purpose of the Position: Help maintain our gravel/loose stone pathways, around buildings, structures and along perimeters of parking areas

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Complete Covid-19 Screening Questionnaire prior to start of shift, have temperature taken upon arrival and sign in before commencing work
  • Meet with Volunteer Coordinator at the start of each shift to obtain equipment needed and receive instruction
  • Weed, edge, rake and level assigned gravel/loose stone areas
  • Dispose of removed vegetation/weeds to designated area
  • Collect and dispose of any garbage in areas being weeded 
  • Direct any questions or concerns throughout your shift to the Volunteer Coordinator, including safety issues i.e. eroding paths, 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 3 to 4; requires moderate physical activities for majority of the shift including walking distances over uneven terrain, kneeling, bending, digging, raking, lifting, carrying and working outside
  • Mental difficulty is level 2; requires training, 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. 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 per season

Scheduling Guidelines: Shifts available between the hours of 9 am & 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 water bottle (which can be refilled onsite), gardening gloves, sunhat/glasses, sunscreen, insect repellant if/as needed
  • Gardening/landscaping experience and knowledge highly valued but no previous experience is needed for this role. Training provided
  • Happy to work alone or as part of a team

Restrictions:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must have reliable transportation and arrive on time for shifts
  • Must wear closed, rubber-soled shoes
  • Must learn and follow Heartland Forest policies, procedures and work within Workplace Health and Safety Guidelines
  • Must submit the required paperwork before being assigned

Tools/Equipment Provided (including Personal Protective Equipment): All gardening tools needed for the work. Face masks are available. Note: Due to Covid-19 safety protocols we request you bring your own work/gardening gloves

Optional Tools/Equipment: Any specialty tools or personal equipment you prefer to work with in lieu of what Heartland Forest provides

Supervisor(s): Volunteer Coordinator

Number of Volunteer Openings: 4

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

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