Grounds and Maintenance Manager (Full-Time)
Organization Overview
Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F+FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agricultural literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F+FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic full-time Grounds and Maintenance Manager to support all aspects of our mission through hands-on technical and facilities expertise. This role requires a well-rounded skill set, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, general maintenance, and horticultural work. You will take ownership of all landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal, as well as serve as the primary resource for detailed exhibit repairs involving woodworking, mechanical, and electrical components. In addition, you will oversee and perform general facility maintenance such as HVAC support, drywall and painting repairs, and carpet maintenance, ensuring the facility remains safe, functional, and welcoming for our visitors. This role also includes coordinating and managing outside vendors to support and complete maintenance projects as needed.
Essential Responsibilities
Proactively identify, evaluate, and implement improvements to grounds, exhibits, and facility operations through creative problem-solving and hands-on execution.
Maintain excellent lawn areas and landscaping.
Perform seasonal snow removal using shovels, snowblowers, skid loaders, and tractors.
Perform routine maintenance and repairs on mowers, small engines, and grounds equipment.
Recruit, onboard, supervise, and offboard seasonal grounds staff.
Troubleshoot, repair, and occasionally install 120v circuits and related systems.
Maintain and repair pinball machines and associated electrical components, including soldering, coil replacement, wiring harness troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
Maintain, repair, and support the mechanical, electrical, and physical components of exhibits.
Perform plumbing and HVAC system maintenance, repairs, and limited installations.
Manage the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), including work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, parts tracking, and clear documentation of completed work, repairs, recommendations, and status updates to relevant staff.
Complete general facility repairs, including drywall, painting, and minor finish work.
Organize, catalog, and maintain facility parts inventory, and maintain organized maintenance workspaces.
Develop, manage, and track the grounds and maintenance budget.
Coordinate, train, and maximize volunteer support for grounds and building maintenance projects.
Collaborate with all departments to assess needs and deliver timely, effective maintenance solutions.
Coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors to support facility, grounds, and maintenance projects.
Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with coworkers, vendors, donors, visitors, and volunteers.
Respond to urgent maintenance issues, weather events, or facility emergencies as needed, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Ensure all grounds, facilities, and equipment are maintained in a safe and code-compliant condition by enforcing safety protocols, proper use of tools and PPE, and supporting inspections and audits.
Qualifications & Experience
3–5 years of experience and demonstrated success in facility, electrical, mechanical, and grounds/landscape maintenance.
Experience operating machinery such as mowers, UTVs, skid loaders, tractors, and related implements.
Holds a valid driver’s license and operates vehicles and equipment safely.
Proficient in wood and metal fabrication for maintenance, repair, and exhibit projects.
Self-starter with a strong work ethic, able prioritize tasks and solve problems independently.
Collaborates effectively across teams, volunteers, and vendors, seeking feedback and sharing knowledge to achieve organizational goals.
Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and implements solutions to enhance facilities, operations, and team efficiency.
Applies strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and situational awareness when navigating complex operational or team challenges.
Weekends and evenings occasionally required.
Physical Demands
Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 5075lbs.
Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document, to hello@fftf.us by 02/15/2026:
A cover letter describing your qualifications, including your interest in Food + Farm Exploration Center.
A current resume
Three professional references with name and your relationship (references will not be contacted until a candidate has been notified).
Food + Farm Exploration Center Commitments
The salary for this position starts at $55,000 per year.
Paid time off (PTO)
Eight paid holidays
Competitive medical and supplemental benefits are available after 60 days of employment.
A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment.
Complimentary employee membership and discounts.
Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen, and reference checks.
All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.
Food + Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Food + Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at Food + Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.
