Eco Zone Gardener

Prospect Park Alliance, Inc•New York, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eco Zone Gardener implements Prospect Park’s ecological restoration and sustainable ecological horticulture policies and standards, helping ensure assigned zones are clean, safe, and visually appealing. The role works with a group of gardeners in an assigned ecological zone and reports to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener. The position maintains and restores park landscapes, operates and cares for vehicles, equipment, tools, and shared workspaces, supports park science, and coordinates volunteers and interns. It also involves engaging with park visitors, documenting work and progress, and assisting other crews with emergencies, events, and special projects. Work is normally performed outdoors in the field and involves physical labor and exposure to challenging weather and environmental conditions.

Requirements

One year of landscape management and ecological restoration experience in a public park setting, or three years of experience without a degree.
Strong knowledge of sustainable ecological best practices and native plants of the Northeast.
Plant species identification skills and the ability to prioritize work.
A New York State Driver’s License.
Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation, including the ability to safely operate and maintain landscaping vehicles and equipment.
Knowledge of plant identification in the northeastern United States, landscape tools, ecological restoration or sustainable ecological horticulture, and proper planting and pruning techniques.
Ability to comply with health and safety requirements, identify and assess hazards, implement control measures, and manage personal and others’ safety.
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently or collaboratively, manage stress, and produce high-quality work.
Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to engage positively with the public.
Proficiency with G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Commitment to public parks, environmental conservation, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, a fisheries-related field, or a Certificate in Horticulture.
A New York State Pesticide Applicator or Technician License.

Responsibilities

Control vegetation throughout the park by hand-pulling, using power tools, and assisting with or overseeing herbicide application.
Prepare and maintain planting sites by clearing debris, raking and leveling soil, applying erosion-control techniques, watering, and digging holes.
Prune trees and shrubs in line with project goals, safety, and aesthetics.
Cut, clear, and remove woody debris resulting from storms or tree aging.
Plant or seed prepared areas.
Install, maintain, or remove fencing, woodchips, signage, and rustic rails.
Remove litter, clear blocked drains, remove hazards, and mitigate hazardous situations.
Assist LMO and M+O crews with emergencies, special events, and special projects as needed.
Remove snow from assigned areas as needed and perform trail maintenance and construction.
Complete regular Zone Field Surveys and plan upcoming work with the Lead Eco Zone Gardener and Landscape Manager.
Record daily work and time records, ensure entries are made in the work tracking database, and document progress toward field-survey goals.
Create and complete annual SMART goals that support department goals and objectives.
Safely operate vehicles, power equipment, and hand tools, including trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, chainsaws, string trimmers, mowers, brush hogs, wood chippers, and hedge trimmers.
Track tool and equipment inventory, communicate additional needs, maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared workspaces, and report safety issues.
Facilitate park science by coordinating with the Senior Forest Ecologist, students, schools, universities, and governmental organizations.
Travel to different parts of the Park as needed.
Work with the Lead Eco Zone Gardener and Landscape Manager to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment.
Coordinate, track, lead, and document work completed by volunteers and interns.
Interact with the public to resolve issues, provide information, and answer general park questions.
Perform other job-related duties and functions as assigned.