Grounds and Facilities Technician

Position Details

Title: Grounds and Facilities Technician

Location: 4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI

Reports to: Operations Manager

Status: Full time, non-exempt

How to Apply:  to apply and submit a résumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND

Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings.

Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 4,500 objects from diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation.

Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability.

Headquartered in New York City, DDF's activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

POSITION

The Grounds and Facilities Technician plays a key role in stewarding Shangri La's distinctive 5-acre oceanfront site by ensuring that its facilities, systems and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. The Technician supports the overall care, safety and functionality of Shangri La's spaces, and blends facilities maintenance with grounds and landscaping duties to ensure that the property remains well maintained, welcoming and aligned with the Doris Duke Foundation's standards of excellence.

As a Grounds and Facilities Technician, you play a vital role in preserving the beauty, functionality and safety of Shangri La. Your work directly supports daily operations, special events and the overall guest experience while helping steward a historic site and its landscapes with care and professionalism.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Grounds and Facilities Technician, you will:

• Care for and Enhance the Grounds

Maintain lawns, gardens, trees and landscaped areas to reflect the high standards of Shangri La through mowing, trimming, planting and pruning.

Perform exterior cleaning and upkeep of walkways, courtyards and other hardscape areas to ensure safe and welcoming spaces.

Monitor plant health, identify pests or irrigation issues, and apply fertilizers or treatments safely and responsibly.

Maintain and repair irrigation and drainage systems to support long-term landscape health and water efficiency.

• Support Facilities and Building Operations
  • Perform general building maintenance and repairs, including basic carpentry, painting, electrical and plumbing work.
  • Conduct preventive maintenance on HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, tools and appliances to help prevent downtime and extend asset life.
  • Maintain pools, ponds and water features, including routine chemical testing and equipment upkeep.
  • Provide hands-on support for event setups, furniture moves and cross-department operational needs.
• Operate and Maintain Equipment Safely
  • Operate, inspect and maintain landscaping and maintenance equipment with a focus on safety and reliability.
  • Perform basic inspections, cleaning and upkeep of vehicles and tools to ensure readiness and longevity.
• Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience in facilities maintenance, landscaping, horticulture or a related field.
• Proficiency operating maintenance and grounds equipment safely and efficiently.
• Physically capable of performing demanding tasks that include lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, bending, climbing, working at heights and operating power tools.
• A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills and a proactive approach…