Grounds Specialist at Project Chimps Position Available In Fannin, Georgia

Grounds Specialist at Project Chimps Project Chimps 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560 Nurturing Sanctuary, One Landscape at a Time At Project Chimps, we’re on a mission to provide lifelong sanctuary and promote the well-being of retired chimpanzees. Our dedication to this cause extends to every aspect of our sanctuary, including the grounds and landscape that surround it. If you share our passion for primates and the environment, and you have a green thumb and a heart full of compassion, we want you to join us as a Grounds Specialist.

Position Overview:

As a Grounds Specialist at Project Chimps, you’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining the pristine appearance of our sanctuary grounds, landscape, and trails. In this team-oriented environment, you’ll work closely with other department managers, reporting to the Facilities Manager. Your primary goal will be to cultivate and harvest edible items for our beloved chimpanzees while ensuring the grounds remain safe, professional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Your Impact:

With a deep commitment to our values, mission, and vision, you’ll contribute to creating a positive and professional organizational culture. Your daily tasks will include maintaining the grounds’ appearance through mowing, tree trimming, and decorative planting, all while keeping an eye out for debris that needs removal. You’ll have a unique opportunity to interact with our chimpanzee residents indirectly by identifying and cutting branches of non-toxic trees, bushes, and vines for their enrichment. Cultivating and harvesting edible plants for the chimpanzees will be a rewarding part of your role. Operating a variety of landscaping equipment and power tools, such as mowers, weed whackers, and saws, will become second nature as you ensure the sanctuary’s perimeter fencing and electric fencing are clear of overgrowth and fallen branches. You’ll also play a part in maintaining the appearance and health of our ponds. Your role extends to mentoring and collaborating with volunteers, working together to ensure the grounds flourish. You may also assist with exterior or interior painting and other light maintenance tasks as needed, always following Project Chimps’ policies and procedures to set a positive example for your fellow team members.

Qualifications:

To excel as a Grounds Specialist, you’ll need a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED, with a technical certification or Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in a landscaping or botany-related field being preferred. Your willingness and ability to work in the vicinity of chimpanzees, maintaining their needs as a priority, will be crucial. You should be comfortable working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, following directions, and using good judgment. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to collaborate in a diverse team are essential. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required for effective communication and safety. This job is outdoors, year-round, in all weather extremes and covers all accessible parts of our 230 acres, including the peak of Paris Mountain. Be prepared to sweat and get your step count in while weed eating, leaf blowing, or clipping browse for the chimps!

Join Our Sanctuary Family:

In this flexible role, you’ll be assigned to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed, experiencing the beauty and challenges of the outdoors in various weather conditions. You’ll be working around our incredible but potentially dangerous chimpanzee residents, contributing to their well-being from a safe distance. If you’re passionate about conservation, primates, and creating a haven for retired chimpanzees, join us as a Grounds Specialist at Project Chimps. Your efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of our residents and the sanctuary as a whole. Help us nurture sanctuary, one landscape at a time.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 – $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift Holidays Weekends as needed

Work Location:

In person