Find & Apply For Building and General Maintenance Technician Jobs in Canterbury, Connecticut

About the Position Quinebaug Kennels is seeking a reliable, hands-on Facility & Grounds Technician to help maintain our kennel, training facility, grounds, trails, equipment, and overall property to the high standards our clients and dogs expect. This is an active, year-round position for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating equipment, fixing things, maintaining property, and taking pride in keeping a facility looking safe, clean, organized, and professional. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who sees what needs to be done and does it —rather than waiting to be told. You should be comfortable working independently, troubleshooting problems, performing routine maintenance, and identifying small issues before they become expensive repairs.

What You'll Do:

Grounds & Landscaping Operate a zero-turn mower and other grounds equipment Mow and maintain large areas of property Weed whack and edge buildings, walkways, fences, and landscaping Pull weeds, mulch, plant seasonal flowers, and maintain gardens Water and maintain plants and landscaping Maintain the appearance and presentation of the property Fill and repair holes created by dogs Maintain woodland trails and outdoor training areas Remove brush, branches, and other debris Heavy Equipment & Property Maintenance Operate a tractor with mowing and brush-hog attachments Operate snowplow equipment and perform winter snow removal Maintain driveways, paths, parking areas, and property access Safely operate chainsaws to cut and remove downed trees and branches Maintain equipment and report mechanical issues or needed repairs Building & Facility Maintenance Perform general repairs and upkeep throughout the kennel and buildings Complete painting and touch-up projects Perform minor plumbing repairs Repair and maintain fencing, gates, kennel areas, and enclosures Repair or replace damaged kennel components Fill holes, repair surfaces, and address wear and tear throughout the facility Build and repair Kuranda dog beds Assist with cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems Help keep buildings, storage areas, work areas, and mechanical spaces organized Preventative Maintenance & Facility Audits Conduct systematic audits of the grounds and buildings Look for safety hazards, damage, deterioration, leaks, loose fencing, broken equipment, and other maintenance concerns Identify problems before they become larger or more expensive Maintain a running list of repairs and maintenance needs Follow through on projects from identification through completion Keep tools and equipment properly maintained, stored, and ready for use Live Bird Care Feed, clean, and provide fresh water for live birds used in our hunting dog training program Maintain clean and appropriate bird housing Monitor birds for general condition and report concerns Maintain a clean, safe environment around bird areas Kennel & Dog Care Support During slower maintenance periods, this position will assist the kennel team with daily operations as needed. Depending on the needs of the facility, responsibilities may include: Assisting kennel staff with cleaning and maintaining dog areas Helping with dog care and routine kennel duties Assisting with client dog services and activities Taking dogs on hikes and walks Assisting with ATV rides and other approved dog enrichment activities Helping with other kennel services when needed Maintaining the same level of safety, cleanliness, and professionalism expected of all QK staff This is not a position where you stop working when the mowing is finished. During slower periods, we expect the Facility & Grounds Technician to be willing to jump in and support the team wherever help is needed. What We're Looking For The right person will be: Highly dependable and punctual A self-starter who doesn't need constant supervision Someone who works with a sense of urgency Mechanically inclined and comfortable figuring things out Comfortable working outdoors in all four seasons Able to safely operate lawn, tractor, snow removal, and other equipment Comfortable using hand and power tools Physically capable of performing the duties of the position Detail-oriented and observant Organized and proactive Comfortable working independently Willing to perform both large projects and small "odd and end" jobs Someone who takes pride in how a property looks and functions Comfortable working around dogs and live birds Willing to assist the kennel team when operational needs require it Safety-conscious and willing to follow established procedures Experience That Would Be a Plus Experience with any of the following is highly desirable: Commercial or residential property maintenance Landscaping or groundskeeping Tractor operation Zero-turn mower operation Snowplowing Brush-hog operation Chainsaw operation Fence installation or repair Kennel or agricultural facility maintenance Plumbing or general construction HVAC maintenance Carpentry Welding or fabrication Equipment maintenance Trail or woodland maintenance Dog handling, kennel, daycare, boarding, or animal-care experience The QK Standard At QK Dogs, maintenance is more than fixing what's broken. We expect our Facility & Grounds Technician to continually look for ways to keep the property safe, functional, clean, organized, and professionally presented. If you notice a fence beginning to fail, a hole developing in a training area, a tree coming down across a trail, a building needing paint, or equipment that isn't operating correctly, we want you to recognize it, communicate it, and take action. Our goal is to stay ahead of problems—not chase them after they become emergencies. We also believe in being a team player . When maintenance demands are lighter, we expect you to step into kennel operations and help wherever needed. Physical Requirements This position involves frequent physical activity, including: Walking and standing for extended periods Bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling Working outdoors in hot, cold, wet, and snowy conditions Operating equipment and power tools Lifting and moving materials and equipment Working around dogs, birds, fencing, machinery, and uneven terrain Occasional ladder use and work in confined or difficult-to-access areas Schedule This is a year-round position with a schedule based on facility needs and seasonal demands. The position requires flexibility for seasonal responsibilities, including spring grounds preparation, summer mowing and landscaping, fall property maintenance, and winter snow removal. Snow and severe weather may require early-morning, extended, or emergency response. Why Work at QK Dogs? QK Dogs is a specialized, high-end dog boarding and training facility where the condition of our property directly reflects the quality of care and service we provide. You won't be doing the same task every day. One day may involve mowing and landscaping; another may involve repairing a kennel, clearing a trail, operating the tractor, fixing a fence, caring for live birds, or assisting the kennel team with dog services. If you like working with your hands, solving problems, working outdoors, working with dogs, and seeing the results of your work every day, this may be the position for you. QK Dogs is looking for someone who doesn't just ask, "What do you want me to do?" We're looking for someone who walks the property and says, "I noticed this needs to be fixed." Experience + Rate Expectations Entry level but mechanically inclined $20

• 22/hr Solid maintenance/grounds experience $23
• 25/hr Experienced, can independently handle most responsibilities $26
• 28/hr Highly skilled / exceptional candidate $29
• 32/hr

Pay:

$23.00

• $28.

00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person