Jobs - ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Building Maintenance Technician

Reports to: Facilities Coordinator/Director of Facilities and Animal Care
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Work Schedule: Four ten hour days; typical hours 5 am – 3 pm; Wednesday – Saturday. Regular weekend and some after-hours work required. Overtime required during set ups/tear down weeks (typically two weeks per quarter)

Summary
ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science center and lake aquarium committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, animals and guests.

Job Purpose
The Building Maintenance Technician position is an experienced team player who likes working in a fast paced environment. The ideal candidate has demonstrated knowledge and a background in both general building maintenance and custodial services.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Occasional supervision of volunteers.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
Custodial Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Daily cleaning of guest, staff and service areas: dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, window cleaning, trash removal, bathroom cleaning.
Periodic deep cleaning utilizing carpet extractor.
Periodic floor stripping and sealing utilizing floor burnisher.
Collect and transfer trash/recyclables to appropriate bulk storage or disposal containers.
Maintain/stock paper products, solvents, cleansers, hand cleaners, etc. as needed.
Periodic cleaning, sweeping, raking, etc. of exterior walkways, planter beds, parking lot and Hoehl Park; Weeding and lawn care
Power washing terraces and building utilizing high pressure power washer.
Respond to requests for emergency custodial needs in a timely manner.

Maintenance Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Setting up and maintaining exhibits
Assist in set up/tear down of temporary exhibits on, typically, a quarterly basis.
Deicing and snow removal utilizing snow shovels and snow blower.
Assist in interior and exterior building maintenance including painting, flooring, plumbing, carpentry, lighting, HVAC, aquarium filtration systems, and maintaining signage.
Assist Animal Care staff in animal care equipment maintenance and repair.
Assist in departmental budget management
Other duties and special projects assigned as needed.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience

Minimum 6 to 12 months experience in custodial.
Experience working in a busy, dynamic public setting.
Experience in carpentry, plumbing and mechanical or other relevant trades.
High School Diploma or GED
Valid Driver’s License

Essential Job Skills

Sufficient relevant experience that demonstrates understanding of and ability to provide excellent custodial services.
Carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical skills.
Electrical and electronics repair.
Building finish work.
Physical ability to perform strenuous work and lift/move at least 50 pounds.
Ability to troubleshoot facilities issues both independently and with a team.
Responsive multitasker who is comfortable working in fast paced environment.

Full Job Proficiency Requirements

Three years of experience in a custodial and maintenance technician position.
Demonstrated ability to independently carry out all custodial tasks.
Demonstrated ability to strip and reseal floors.
Demonstrated ability to utilize carpentry, plumbing and other mechanical repairs to maintain ECHO exhibits, facilities and mechanical systems.
Flexible team player who demonstrates ECHO core values and open to learning and growing in their position.
Demonstrated ability to research and cost-effectively order products including possible new improved products.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee sometimes works near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee may work in high, precarious places and be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19

Employment offers are contingent on successful background check.

Facilities & Animal Care Specialist

Reports to: Environmental Exhibit Coordinator or Facilities Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt: Eligible for overtime for hours worked more than 40 hr/wk.
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. Requires four, 10-hour days.

Description: ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science and nature museum committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, animals and guests.

The Facilities & Animal Care Specialist is a unique position that serves in a split capacity within the Facilities & Animal Care department. This position will provide part-time, state of the industry animal care and husbandry for ECHO’s reptile/amphibian/fish collection that promotes optimal health and longevity. In addition, this position will provide part-time facilities and exhibit repair assistance and support custodial and facilities maintenance needs of our 36,000 square foot, LEED-certified aquarium and science center to ensure a positive visitor experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise and mentor activities of animal care volunteers and interns to include; assigning, reviewing and evaluating daily tasks and project work.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Animal Care

Perform observations of animals to determine health status and initiate or confer with other animal care staff to implement responsive care as needed.
Perform observations of animal enclosures and all related life support equipment including but not limited to filtration systems, lighting, pumps, motors, aeration, etc. Implements or confer with other animal care staff regarding repairs in response to observed issues in animal enclosures or related equipment (as noted in previous bullet).
Provides implementation of proper animal care including provision of designated diets and environmental conditions (lighting, temperatures, water quality, substrates, ‘furniture’, filtration).
Implement veterinary care based on veterinary input or reference material recommendations; determine and administer by appropriate means, at correct concentrations and dosages. Monitor animals’ responses to treatments.
Maintain equipment including life support systems, exhibits and all other equipment utilized in maintaining animal habitats and animal health.
Perform water quality testing and implement measures to maintain optimal water quality in animal enclosures.
Assist with specimen capture, collection and transportation, quarantine and introduction to displays or holding quarters.
Provide thorough and accurate record-keeping on daily implementation of animal care, animal health, veterinary care, acquisitions and dispositions, and equipment status.
Develop and deliver educational programs to ECHO guests and on various media networks regarding science, natural history, captive care, and environmental stewardship.
Design, install and repair animal exhibit habitats.

Facilities

Custodial work: dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, window cleaning, trash removal, periodic deep cleaning, carpet extraction, power washing, etc. in a timely manner.
Stocking cleaning/repair supplies.
Installing, maintaining and repairing non-animal exhibits.
Seasonal weed removal, mowing, raking, sweeping of exterior areas.
Maintain and repair building mechanical system, HVAC, Plumbing and aquarium life support systems, etc.
Maintain exterior areas including parking lot, walkways, planted areas and lawns, etc.
Building mechanical and lighting controls software
Interior and exterior building maintenance including but not limited to painting, flooring repair, light carpentry, light electrical, signage install and repair, etc.
Interact with staff to coordinate building and exhibit repairs.

Other Duties

Provide quality customer service while working in high volume guest environment.
Assist in departmental budgeting, researching and purchasing of animal care and facilities supplies.
Train volunteers and interns and other staff in provision of animal care.
Assist with building mechanical software package (WebCTRL) and building lighting software package (Keeper Enterprise) to optimize system functions and minimize resource consumption.
Regular weekend and some after-hours work required.
Other duties and special projects assigned as needed.

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

Preferred BA/BS degree in related field.
Minimum of six months experience or familiarity in facility maintenance work (carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, etc.) or, if experience in animal husbandry, demonstrated interest in facilities work.
Minimum of six months experience or familiarity in animal husbandry with reptiles, amphibians or fish, or if experience in facilities work, demonstrated interest in animal care work.
Comfort and experience with public speaking.
Experience working in a busy, dynamic public setting.
Valid Driver’s License

Essential Job Skills

Understanding of reptile/amphibian/fish husbandry and life support systems.
Commitment to high quality captive animal care.
Strong and accurate observational skills.
Aptitude for chemistry and mathematics.
Carpentry, plumbing, mechanical skills.
Ability to troubleshoot facilities and animal care issues with the team.
Ability to learn building maintenance and lighting control software.
Responsive multitasker who is comfortable working in fast paced, guest driven environment.
Able to perform strenuous work and lift and/or move at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Communication and collaboration skills to work with staff across departments.
Demonstrated customer service skills.
Appreciation for the role of a Science Center, STEM education, and commitment to its philosophy, mission and core values.
Knowledge and passion for environmental stewardship.
Valid Vermont driver’s license.

Full Job Proficiency Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field or trade certifications.
4 years experience in animal husbandry and facilities maintenance.
Demonstrated ability to carry out tasks in all areas of ECHO’s building maintenance.
Demonstrated ability to carry out all tasks in animal care at ECHO, including dynamic public programs demonstrations.
Ability to independently problem solve facilities needs and resolve issues.
Ability to independently problem solve animal care issues.
Demonstrated collaborative work with FAC and cross department teams to future ECHO’s strategic goals.
High level of understanding of building software, lighting controls, and floor exhibits.
Demonstrated ability to supervise animal care volunteers and interns to foster their learning and development.
Plays a key role in setup, breakdown and installation of traveling exhibits.
A successful track record in setting priorities, keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills, which support and enable sound decision making.
Commitment to provide excellent customer service to diverse ECHO guests.
Flexible team player who demonstrates ECHO core values and open to learning and growing in their position.

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

Concerning COVID: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19

Employment offers are contingent on successful background check.

Seasonal Guest Services Representative: Part-Time

Reports to: Guest Services Manager
Pay Rate: $17/hour (20 hrs/week)
Start Date: ideally, mid-May
End Date: ideally, mid-October

Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your application’s status by Late April.

Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: As the first point of contact for all guests, Guest Services Representatives are charged with providing a great first impression, operating our point of sales system to check in ECHO guests, processing retail gift shop sales, selling memberships, and answering questions about ECHO and Burlington, in general.

Responsibilities include:

Front Desk

Open front desk including computers, cash drawer counting, and turning on all monitors and lights in time for guest arrival
Meet and greet ECHO walk-up guests and scheduled groups
Create a positive first impression of ECHO
Process front desk admission, film and membership sales
Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise
Help sell ECHO products by explaining annual membership benefits, movies, and suggesting gift shop merchandise
Set up Community Room, Omni Room, or Dealer.com Terrace with birthday party supplies
Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered
Serve as first point of contact for guest injuries or complaints; report incidents or complaints to the proper Manager and/or Director
Make daily announcements and keep guests informed about activities, demos and public programs
Answer phone questions directed to the Front Desk
Close all drawers and prepare daily cash-out
Perform reception duties (receive express mail packages, greet ECHO staff guests, keep front desk neat and organized, etc.)
Monitor parking as needed
Assist in daily floor closing procedures and clean-up

Gift Shop

Process gift shop merchandise sales
Assists in gift shop inventory count
Other duties may be assigned as needed

Essential Skills/Training:

Ability to operate a cash register and learn ticketing system
Attention to detail, facility with numbers
Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new programs and systems
Ability to work with changing coworker team including volunteers, interns and seasonal staff
Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility
Ability to work collaboratively with others
Skilled in customer service

Time Commitment:

20 hours/week during
Schedules will include weekends and occasionally evenings, if assigned to an event

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

Concerning COVID: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19

Employment offers are contingent on successful background check.

Seasonal Ice Cream Specialist: Part-Time

Reports to: Ice Cream Coordinator and Director of Sales & Guest Services
Pay Rate: $17/hour (20 hrs/week)
Start Date: ideally, mid-May
End Date: ideally, mid-October

Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your application’s status by Late April.

Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: The Ice Cream Specialist will work in ECHO’s food truck that will be serving the most anticipated creemees on the waterfront. The Ice Cream Specialist will be responsible for maintaining excellent customer service while being a brand ambassador for ECHO and educating guests on ECHO’s Mission.

Responsibilities include :

Receive and complete orders from customers for ice cream and retail items
Complete opening and closing procedures including POS, cash drawer counting, turning on/off all monitors, lights and music as well as starting food prep and cleaning
Keep all items on the trailer well stocked and organized
Create a positive and welcoming first impression of ECHO
Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise
Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered
Close all drawers and prepare daily cash-out deposits
Maintain a high standard of cleanliness throughout the food trailer
Communicate with ECHO’s Retail Manager when stock is low on retail items, food items or serviceware
Understands and follows all policies and procedures
Assists in ensuring a safe working environment throughout the food trailer
Open to learning new tasks

Essential Skills/Training:

Ability to work a flexible schedule
Ability to operate a cash register and POS system
Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility
Ability to work collaboratively with others
Skilled in customer service
Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull and frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds
Able to stand for multiple hours within a tight space

Time Commitment:

20 hours/week during Creemee Stand hours (10:30am – 9:30pm)
Schedules will include evenings and weekends

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@echovermont.org

Concerning COVID: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employment offers are contingent on successful background check.

Executive Director

The ECHO, Leahy Center of Lake Champlain seeks a bold and visionary Executive Director to lead all staff in fulfilling the museum’s mission to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. Download the Executive Director Prospectus here.

Building on the museum’s strengths and successful evolution, the ideal candidate will be energized by the opportunity to work collaboratively with both the board and staff on four priority areas: designing and implementing a new strategic plan, building additional financial capacity, developing and empowering the internal team, and engaging with external partners and community members.

The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to meaningfully engage all constituencies in the development of a compelling strategic plan that propels the museum into its next chapter and beyond. A demonstrated track record of aligning resources to simultaneously address both current operational needs and progress on strategic priorities is equally important. Evidence of innovative thinking coupled with knowledge of best practices and data-informed decision-making is strongly desired.

Top candidates will have a penchant for action while also consistently demonstrating a transparent and consultative style of decision-making. They will be an exceptional communicator and possess the ability to inspire and motivate staff at all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate evidence of inclusive and equitable leadership in previous work experiences. They will view leadership through a growth mindset and will relish the opportunity to support and develop staff and teams to drive maximum operational effectiveness while fostering a positive work culture.

The Executive Director will provide overall leadership and management of the day-to-day operations of the museum and its staff. As such, strong candidates will be able to provide leadership, through and in collaboration with Senior Staff, on exhibit and educational planning, financial and risk management, human resources, marketing/communications, retail and event management, facility maintenance, and animal care.

Candidates must be able to develop meaningful relationships that expand the museum’s relevance and relevance within the community. Direct experience in fundraising, and the ability to cultivate funds through both individual solicitations and grant or foundation-sourced contributions, is required. The ability to leverage professional networks and relationships to develop new partnerships and funding sources is viewed as a valuable asset.

The successful candidate will possess, through a combination of academic experience and professional achievement, a strong science-related background. The ideal candidate will also hold a heartfelt passion for ECHO’s mission and a deep love of science education, native wildlife, and environmental stewardship.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references to ECHOED@hawleyconsultingservices.com. All correspondence will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without prior permission.

ECHO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates for employment who will contribute to our diversity.

ECHO requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an innovative science and nature museum located on the Burlington Waterfront. Open daily, ECHO encourages visitors to view the natural environment as part of their neighborhood and to explore, learn about, and consider opportunities for stewardship. Since 1995, we have taught more than 3 million visitors about the role of science in our culture and lives. ECHO leverages its unique setting to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.

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