Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

River Maintenance Technician

This position is responsible for the primary maintenance and upkeep of Bartram’s Garden’s river and aquatic infrastructure and equipment, working collaboratively with the Facilities and Public Programs teams to ensure facilities in and on the Schuylkill River are safe and well maintained in support of public programming welcoming thousands of visitors each year. This position requires work outdoors in all weather conditions, in- and adjacent-to water work, dock and vessel maintenance, and boat repair. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as with other teams at Bartram’s Garden. Additionally, the nature and location of this work is in the public eye and will interface with neighbors and guests from the public through the normal performance of duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

FloatLab Maintenance & Operations

Operation and management of vessel equipment and dock, maintaining clean, safe and fully functional facilities/vessel at all times

Cyclic cleaning and debris removal, pressure washing vessel as necessary, and coordinating in-water cleaning and debris removal as necessary with River Program, Facilities, and any other applicable teams

Storm/emergency operations (deballasting/reballasting)

Perform maintenance and inspection of FloatLab and its dock/gangway and associated area and infrastructure according to the operations and maintenance manual

Dock & Boathouse Maintenance & Upkeep

Maintain and service dock and boathouses in coordination with River Program team: pressure-washing, ensuring infrastructure/equipment is safe and operable, emergency repairs, shade sails/shade around boathouse, life ring buoys

Seasonal opening and closing work for the dock including but not limited to installation and removal of shade sails and umbrellas, repairs to dock and boathouse, etc.

Familiarity with local and regional marine contractors and vendors is a plus

River Program Support & Safety

Collaborate with River Program team on program support and FloatLab needs as they relate to infrastructure and safety in and around the river

Keep all River Program facilities well-maintained in collaboration with Facilities and Public Programs

Oversee procurement and maintenance of equipment needed for maintenance and upkeep of river/riparian facilities.

Maintain partnership and compliance with relevant regulatory, scientific, and law enforcement entities:
- US Coast Guard, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Philadelphia Police Department Marine Unit, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Maintenance & Work Coordination & Record-Keeping

Work with River Program team to repair, store and move rowboats and kayaks as necessary

Boat repair: work with the River Program team to maintain boathouse fleet (currently 1 motorized RIB, 40 kayaks, 12 wooden rowboats)

Wooden boats: carpentry repairs and adhesives

Kayaks: plastic welding and repair, fiberglass

RIB: marine engine/outboard maintenance and winterization

Shop management and upkeep: work collaboratively with Maintenance Technician to ensure workshop is kept safe, organized, accessible and time/access is scheduled

Recordkeeping and budgeting: use MaintainX work management software to plan and log all work as well as up/downtime for assets

Planning and running volunteer/staff work sessions to accomplish body of work

Plan longer-term and strategic infrastructure improvements and maintenance with Director of Landscapes and Facilities and River Program Manager

Update and maintain standard operating procedures, emergency action plans, and safety information. Identify and evaluate anticipated programmatic risks, take appropriate action to mitigate, and be prepared to respond to problems as they arise

Qualifications

2–4 years’ experience working in trades and marine construction/maintenance (or allied fields). Trade school or degree is not required but beneficial

Experience in trades associated with marine maintenance and construction. Preferred candidates will have experience or knowledge of basic carpentry/woodworking repair techniques, basic plumbing and electrical, fiberglass, marine coatings and finishes, adhesives, and/or plastic welding and repair.

Experience working with the public. Volunteer coordination experience is a plus

General boating knowledge, including proficiency in small powered and unpowered watercraft as well as dock/marina/basic vessel maintenance.

Ability to drive and back a trailer to launch and recover motorboat

Familiar with operating electrical equipment, including shore power connections, circuit breakers, and motor starters, or willingness to learn the above.

Proficiency in project design, planning, implementation, and coordination

Experience working in urban communities like Southwest Philadelphia

Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics and experience working with a diverse set of partners and team members

Strong organizational skills, multitasking ability, time management skills, flexible and responsive mindset and attention to detail

Excellent communication skills for a variety of audiences and stakeholders regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, age, ability and religion

Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and perform physical tasks under varied conditions

Experience working in communities of color and commitment to racial, economic, environmental, and social justice

Personal or professional familiarity with Southwest Philadelphia preferred

Required Certifications & Licenses (may be obtained upon employment)

First Aid/CPR/AED

Driver’s license

Pennsylvania safety boater certification

Pennsylvania Criminal History Check (PATCH/PA State Police)

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check (PA Dept of Human Services)

FBI Criminal History Check

Physical Requirements

The River Maintenance Technician is a physically demanding position that is conducted outdoors, often in difficult weather conditions, on the water, and in office and workshop settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to move and operate boats, vehicles, maintenance equipment, and tools; stand and/or walk for extended periods of time; and work in immediate proximity to general public in a safe and friendly manner. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The administrative components of this position require the ability to sit/stand at a desk, work on a computer, and use a monitor for extended periods of time.

Schedule and Compensation

Our site is open daily, and the River Maintenance Technician will be required to work weekend and evening programs seasonally, some holidays, occasional early mornings, and occasional late nights in support of regular river programming and special events. Additionally, all full-time staff support annual site-wide weekend and evening events including Southwest Spring Fest (April); Juneteenth (June); Twilight in the Garden (October); Indigenous People’s Day (October); Harvest Fest (October); and Handmade Holidays (December).

Starting salary is between $44,000–$48,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include healthcare and dental coverage, short and long-term disability coverage, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Application Information
To apply, please send your resume along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position to jobs@bartramsgarden.org. Include “River Maintenance Technician” in the email subject line. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or visits, please. Bartram’s Garden recognizes the value of promoting a diverse workforce.

All individuals, including those from historically under-represented groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, any form of personal or professional connections to Southwest Philadelphia will be considered a plus for all applicants. If desired, applicants are invited to reflect in their cover letter or other written statement on how their professional and lived experiences position them for their requested role.

About Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre public park and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, situated on Lenape territory on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Welcoming more than 125,000 visitors annually, it is a venue for art, an access to the tidal river and wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a living laboratory. Bartram’s Garden attempts to hold the colonial legacy of the land with a commitment to learn and share the whole truth about the plants of Southwest Philadelphia and the people who grow them. The site encompasses the Bartram family’s 18th-century house and farm buildings, the country’s oldest surviving botanic garden, a reclaimed meadow, tidal wetlands, the Sankofa Community Farm, recreational trails, and the riverfront with an accessible public boat dock and community boathouse.

The Garden is operated and maintained by the non-profit John Bartram Association in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. The mission of the John Bartram Association is to co-create equitable relationships among people and nature through immersive, community-centered experiences that activate the Bartram legacy, Garden, and House, on land and on the Schuylkill River, in Southwest Philadelphia.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest-focused programs and activities and strengthen its community partnerships with nearby families, schools, and neighborhood groups. Thanks to plans for significant upcoming site investments, including major construction projects and expanded partnerships, the Garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal.