Ser Chö Ösel Ling Job Descriptions

Revised April 11, 2002

Rural Operations Manager

Responsible for managing the hands-on day-to-day mechanics of the retreat land and its facilities. Facilitate the smooth functioning and operation of the facilities for the purposes for which they are used- camping retreats, work efforts, special events. Organize and coordinate work projects (see Duties below). Prepare and oversee a budget to support operations, maintenance, and management of the retreat land and facilities.

Duties

  • Recommend policies and implement procedures for operations, maintenance and management of the land and facilities, and document them.
  • Identify needs for work, improvements, maintenance, and purchases; plan and oversee the steps needed to meet those needs
  • Manage schedule of activities and events at the retreat center
  • Orient visitors to the land
  • Oversee management of equipment and vehicle use and parking on the land
  • Manage water, septic, and other utility systems
  • Organize provision of temporary facilities for workers, retreatants
  • Organize and direct work parties as needed
  • Coordinate with & facilitate work of committees which work on the land
  • See that records are maintained concerning operations and maintenance
  • See that the regular schedule for group Dharma practice is maintained
  • Communicate newsworthy items to director of communications
  • Ensure participation in Rural 7 volunteer fire department, whether by ROM or staff

Oversee the following:

  • Caretaking and maintenance staff
  • Land stewardship committee

Responsible to:

Capital Campaign Leadership Committee during development of retreat facilities. Once the retreat facilities become operational, this position will report to the Board of Directors.


Caretaking & Maintenance Staff

Responsible for repairing and maintaining buildings, other facilities, roads and grounds. Carry out basic land management activities.

Duties

  • Repair and improve existing buildings
  • Solicit and oversee contracted maintenance work
  • Develop systems to organize and maintain tools, equipment and supplies
  • Cut and manage firewood
  • Install and maintain fencing
  • Maintain roads (blading, snow plowing, tree removal, etc.)
  • Maintain and improve grounds (mowing, planting, irrigating)
  • Remove and manage snow & ice on walks, roofs, etc.
  • Remove, prune trees around house (esp. hazard trees)
  • Maintain vehicles and equipment
  • Manage waste (recycling, compost, trash)
  • Install and maintain signage

Responsible to:

Rural Operations Manager


Land Stewardship Committee

Determine values, goals, and objectives for KCC's management of the natural resources on the land and document this. Make plans and conduct activities to meet the objectives. Manage forest, meadow, water, riparian, soils, wildlife, aesthetic, recreation and other resources in light of values and goals. Oversee activities in fire prevention and management, pest, disease and noxious weed control, etc. Coordinate use of volunteers to carry out activities. Consult with relevant agencies and others with relevant expertise. Coordinate with neighbors as needed.

Duties

Most of these are just samples of the kinds of activities that would be carried out.

  • Create and maintain resource management plans
  • Cut, prune & thin trees; clear brush
  • Make & burn slash piles
  • Create and maintain fire breaks
  • Plant and maintain trees and other plants
  • Build and maintain trails
  • Maintain nest boxes
  • Control weeds
  • Determine where fencing is needed
  • Conduct special projects such as road rehabilitation, riparian area improvement, etc.
  • Coordinate and direct land stewardship volunteers
  • Document completed work
  • Follow system (as established by maintenance staff) for obtaining, organizing and maintaining tools

Responsible to:

Rural Operations Manager


Garden Committee

For future consideration. This position was not approved by the Board of Directors.

Create, improve and maintain vegetable and flower gardens as needed to support and enhance activities at the retreat center. This committee is envisioned to start with minimal goals which would expand over the years. Caretaking and maintenance staff may provide daily care of the gardens, allowing the committee to be populated from Portland.

Duties

  • Plan, till, plant, tend garden
  • Develop garden irrigation system
  • Replace, enlarge deer fence for garden
  • Follow system (as established by maintenance staff) for obtaining, organizing and maintaining tools

Responsible to:

Rural Operations Manager