Deadline: Sat, 10/05/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Dancing Falls Estate Job Field: Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Georgia Location Detail: Dawsonville, GA Job Description: Summary Seeking an individual to actively manage a privately-owned 250 acre estate preserve. In this position you will enhance the health and beauty of the natural scenery in a hardwood “cove forest” wilderness habitat supporting a diverse wildlife population. The park-like property also contains creeks, waterfalls and wetlands, several miles of roads and trails, and cultivated landscape and garden areas. “Dancing Falls” is located in North Georgia at 2700 feet elevation between Jasper, Ellijay and Dawsonville. A flexible work schedule up to a full-time salaried position may be negotiated, depending on your qualifications. BASIC DUTIES: Continually monitor and evaluate the condition of the grounds and make recommendations for improvements. Maintain roads, parking areas, trails, paths, observation platforms, bridges, decks and patios. Mow or bushhog lawns, meadows and natural clearings. Maintain ditches, culverts and drainage swales to keep them clear and prevent erosion. Select, receive and deliver nursery stock, soil amendments, fertilizer and other landscape materials. Plant and nurture perennial and shrub borders and beds, along with vegetable, fruit and wildflower gardens. Diagnose and treat plants and trees suffering from pests, diseases or malnutrition. Clear saplings and brush. Control weeds, invasive species, wild vines and brambles, poison ivy and kudzu. Prune trees and shrubs to maintain their health, vigor and appearance. Haul away or grind landscape debris into mulch. Cut and stack firewood. Collect stones on-site to be used in future landscape projects. Collect and spread leaves and mulch to improve soil. Send regular reports and photos of progress to property owners. Optional advanced duties: Actively manage the forest to improve the health and diversity of trees and wild plants. Assemble outdoor furniture kits and raised garden bed kits. Perform stone work for patios, drainage swales, retaining walls, gravel paths, etc. Build and maintain fences, arbors and other landscape structures. Maintain pond and water features. Strategically cut or “vista prune” trees to reveal mountain or water views. Propagate new plant material from cuttings or seeds. Assist fire safety officials with controlled burns. Beekeeping and/or poultry care. Qualifications: Required At least 4 years of hands-on landscaping experience and/or formal education in agriculture or forestry. Knowledge of nursery plants/shrubs/trees and wild species native to North Georgia and their growing requirements. Able to identify “weeds” versus valuable plants. Knowledge of how to overcome pests and diseases that affect both cultivated landscapes and forests. Experience planting, pruning and fertilizing plants, shrubs and trees. Experience with safe operation and maintenance of landscaping equipment including chainsaw, weedwhacker, blower, mulcher, tractor/bushhog, etc. Knowledge of fire safe practices is essential. Willing and able to perform work by hand when the situation requires it (shovel, rake, axe, pitchfork etc.). Able to perform strenuous physical work including routinely lifting 50 pounds. Able to walk 5 mile distances with hills. Able to twist, bend, kneel, and climb. Able to work outdoors on uneven, slippery terrain in varying weather conditions despite possible allergens and potentially dangerous wildlife. Able to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing by email or text. Listens and follows instructions well. Self-motivated and organized. Able to consider weather forecasts, prioritize and plan his/her own schedule and work independently. Reliable, hardworking, discreet, honest and trustworthy. Able to pass random drug tests on a consistent basis. Non-smoker strongly preferred for fire prevention purposes. Legally eligible to work in the United States. Must be able to pass a criminal background check and have a valid driver’s license. Salary: Up to $39,000 Benefits: Schedule flexibility Paid vacation Opportunities for advancement How to Apply: Please email cannonsayers@gmail.com and reference Dancing Falls position
