Grounds, Maintenance, Forestry
Duration: 
13 month
Start date: 
1 September 2023
End date: 
30 September 2024
Applications open: 
April 2023
Closed position

The Grounds Manager is responsible for planning and managing the grounds work to keep the KISC property in a great shape and complying with Swiss regulations. The Grounds Manager will be in charge of: staff working on the grounds, service projects during the summer and Work Parties that come to help us in the Spring and Autumn. If you enjoy handiwork, managing projects and people, and would like to take care of the KISC campsite and grounds, we look forward to your application.

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 18 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English
  • Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with one of the vaccinations recognised by Switzerland

 

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Holds a chainsaw licence or is willing to work towards getting one
  • Holds a driver’s licence for cars (manual) and has driving experience
  • Ability to work alone and organise work efficiently
  • Ability to lead and motivate a team of volunteers
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines

Desirable

  • Has previously been a member of the staff team at KISC
  • Has affinity with forestry, environmental or similar issues
  • Holds a driver’s licence for trailers (BE)
  • Has experience of working on and running a campsite
  • Has technical skills (e.g. maintenance and repair)
  • Ability to communicate in German or willingness to actively learn it

 

Main tasks

Main task

  • Develop and implement the long-term property plan for the Centre
  • Maintain and upkeep the Centre’s campsite, property and boundaries
  • Manage and organise the storage spaces
  • The organisation, purchase and ongoing health of the flowers plants and flower boxes around the Chalet
  • Snow clearing on KISC property
  • Plan, organise and run guest service projects
  • Plan, organise and run International Work Parties
  • Responsible for the care and cleanliness of campsite vehicles
  • Train staff on the campsite vehicles and other machinery and equipment
  • Manage the wood supply and wood storages
  • Responsible for the rubbish and recycling management of the Centre in the Winter, Spring and Autumn seasons
  • Budget and control of grounds expenditures
  • Organise and supervise staff working on grounds related areas (woods and campsite) during the year

Other responsibilities

  • Ensure a high standard of guest service at all times
  • Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involve in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests
  • Flexibility in working hours according to the needs of the Centre

 

Management

General

This position is part of the Internal Services Team at the Centre.

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Internal Services Director. The Grounds Manager has weekly meetings with the line manager and Maintenance team to cover operational matters and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team Management

The Grounds Manager will have regular contact with other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to building a good working relationship and honest communication with them.

Staff Management

The Grounds Manager is responsible for staff and Work Parties working part-time in Grounds or on specific projects.

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats in Kandersteg
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
  • Pocket money starting from 500 CHF per month       
  • A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation in Switzerland)
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries we would need to apply for a working VISA for you to be able to work at KISC. Assuming you are suitable for the role and fulfil specific requirements set by the Swiss authorities, there is a possibility to get a visa for a longer contract.
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

 

Testimonials

Grounds Manager

Pepe

Spain
Grounds Manager
Grounds Manager is an exciting position that will help you to develop your foreseeing, global perspective and planning skills. You’ll learn a lot about trees, plants, snow, ice, grass and forest, as much as carpentry, mechanics and forestry. If you like hands-on work, you will love it! Through my independent work but also leading Short Term Staff and Work Parties I learnt to delegate, motivate and inspire people to work with you on the toughest tasks! Scouting shows us how to enjoy nature, service to others and teamwork; and that’s pretty much what you will be doing as Grounds. I hope you have as much fun as I had. Best of lucks!