Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is a nature conservation and education centre that spreads over 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain. It lies in a valley, with a stream running down through the diverse (sub)tropical forest. You can find theme gardens, greenhouses, vegetable, and fruit terraces, walking trails, and public education displays of plants and animals, whilst the largest part of the estate is managed as a nature reserve. 

Our team consists of educators, ecologists, botanists, zoologists, conservation officers, spatial analysts, veterinarians, geneticists, arborists, horticulturists, gardeners, animal keepers, farmers, communicators and marketeers. Lessons learnt from hundreds of projects and initiatives are used to raise awareness, educate the public and catalyse behaviour change to protect nature and the environment. 

With more than half of the century serving Hong Kong dedicatedly, KFBG has been evolving focuses and now striving to harmonize humanity’s relationship with nature through 3 core aspects: Nature Conservation, Holistic Education, and Sustainable Living.

We are looking for a Special Machinery Operator (Biochar Team) who aligns with our vision and value and to be passionate to join the organisation to help making a difference.

For more information, please see www.kfbg.org andwww.greenhub.org.   

Job Summary

The Special Machinery Operator is a key member of the Biochar Team, responsible for handling a range of tools, equipment and machinery necessary for the smooth operation of KFBG’s forest management programme. As such, s/he will support the Arborist of the Biochar Team to assist in the execution a wide variety of tree and forest management tasks, including individual plant care (formative pruning, crown lifting, tree removal, etc.) and forestry operations in order to maximise the sustainability and operational efficiency of KFBG’s wood recycling programme. In all of these duties, we place firm emphasis on tree health and the ecological function of KFBG’s forests. The post-holder will apply their technical knowledge to link the use of forestry machinery (including the biochar machine itself, as well as woodchippers, log splitters and a forklift truck) to wood recycling, ecological forest management and arboriculture. They will be instructed in various aspects of forestry machinery operation and maintenance, supervising occupational safety and plant care work. 

The post-holder should have at least three years post-qualification and hands-on experience in driving medium and heavy good vehicles (class 18, manual), with a track record for ensuring routine work safety. S/he should have a valid crane operator certificate and associated hands-on experience and be familiar with safety standards for crane operation.

S/he should be physically fit and able to work outdoors under hot, humid conditions in KFBG’s backyard areas as well as on slopes and inside the forest. S/he will have a passion for natural areas management and possess strong interpersonal skills to help facilitate cohesive team performance.

Major Responsibilities

1. Facilitate FLO’s wood recycling programme:

• Assist in the management of KFBG’s wood recycling facilities, i.e. the Biochar Facility and wood processing area.
• Conduct various forersty works including weeding, tree planting, pruning, climbing and felling; and 
• Safely operate special machinery, implementing KFBG’s existing the wood recycling practices recycling all woody debris produced in KFBG, including but not limited to the Biochar Machine, forklift truck, grab-mounted lorry, woodchipper and wood log splitter.

Upkeep of forest management machinery and tools:

• Carry out maintenance and repair of special machinery, making sure all tools and equipment are maintained in good working order; and
• Ensure the maintenance of clear repair records pertaining to all machinery under their management.

Engage in forest restoration works:

• Undertake ecological restoration works including, but not limited to, plant surveys, seed collection, weeding, tree planting, direct seeding, pruning and thinning of self-sown and planted trees; and
• Operate horticultural and arboricultural equipment such as chainsaws, strimmers, and so on.

Supervision of contractors:

•  Supervise landscape and arboriculture contractors to perform their duties to the stipulated standard; and
•  Oversee contractor works (especially in the use of wood-cutting tools) to ensure they are in line with safety standards and appropriate procedures.

Other:

• Participate in activities arranged by KFBG with the intention of developing organisational culture.
• Assist in maintaining a tidy and orderly site, especially with respect to clearing fallen trees and branches after typhoons and heavy rainfall.
• Serve as a standby driver for the Flora Conservation Department. 
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Requirements

• Self-disciplined and self-motivated.
• Open-minded and willing to learn.
• Collaborative, supportive and encouraging to build team morale and raise the capacity of junior members of the team/department.
• Clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills. 
• A valid, clean Hong Kong driving license (class 18, manual) is essential.
• At least three years post-qualification, hands-on experience in driving medium and heavy goods vehicles.
• A valid crane operator certificate is essential, preferably with hands-on experience and familiarity with crane operation safety standards.
• Competent in machinery maintenance and repair.
• A love of the outdoors.

Application Method

Interested parties should send your CV (including list of publications) and cover letter (describing relevant work experience, reasons for interest in the post and expected salary) to the People & Culture Manager, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden Corporation, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, or email [email protected]