OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

The Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 13 acres of mixed vegetable crops on 30 acres of tillable land using agro-ecological principles, and we engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out conservation projects and research to learn how humans can use land to our benefit while protecting biodiversity.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Oxbow’s part-time Seasonal Facilities Assistant will split time between supporting grounds maintenance and public engagement efforts. Time will be spent on technical projects (directly supervised) and performing independent grounds work, such as mowing, trail building, and mechanical removal of invasive weeds. This position will provide facilities support on days when Oxbow is open to the public and at private events, helping maintain the parking areas and keep the grounds and facilities clean and operational, and operating our wood fired grill and pizza oven. This position is ideal for someone with light trade skills and an interest in land stewardship, who takes pride in their work and appreciates a job well done.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Facilities Lead and/or Maintenance Assistant, assist with all aspects of equipment and property maintenance, including:

• Maintain/improve public spaces and grounds (weed whacking/mowing, trail building, garbage & recycling collection)
• Monitor and maintain public restrooms (honey buckets) as needed
• Care for and maintenance of tools
• Become proficient in blade sharpening, small engine tuning
• Present a professional attitude to the general public and members
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors, anticipating and assisting the public safely enjoying their visits at Oxbow
• This position requires working some Saturdays May-September and all weekends in October

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work with a positive attitude: standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling; to repeatedly lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 60 lbs.; perform physical work such as digging or weed whacking; in inclement weather.
• Ability to discern (or quickly learn) weeds from native plants
• Willingness and capacity to take initiative
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Clear, consistent communication
• Mechanical aptitude
• Tractor driving experience not necessary but a plus
• Consistent attention to detail
• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow facilities team is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.