Eco Zone Gardener (9+ month Seasonal)

Prospect Park Alliance, Inc•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eco Zone Gardener upholds and implements the policies and standards for ecological restoration and sustainable ecological horticulture in Prospect Park as set forth by the Landscape Management team. The Eco Zone Gardener is responsible for making sure their assigned zones are clean, safe, and beautiful. This is a 9+ month seasonal position starting in February and ending in December. The hourly rate for this position is $24.

Requirements

Two-year college degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries related field, or Certificate in Horticulture
A minimum of one (1) to three (3) year landscape management and ecological restoration experience in a public park setting; or a minimum of two (2) years’ experience without a degree
A valid Driver’s License
Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
Landscape Management Knowledge: Proficient in plant identification for northeast US region, use of landscape tools, experience with ecological restoration and/or sustainable ecological horticulture. Proper planting and pruning techniques.
Machinery Operation: Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation is essential. The ability to safely operate and maintain various vehicles and equipment including but not limited to chainsaws, utility vehicles, weed whackers, skid steers, and tractors is required.
Health and Safety Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies. Manages risk including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others.
Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent, responsive and friendly customer service to patrons and park visitors.
Results and Impact Focus: Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and highly motivated to consistently produce high quality work and achieve desired outcomes and results.
Decision Making & Problem Solving: Alerts others to possible problems in a timely fashion. Seeks support to solve problems. Offers possible solutions. Acts on solutions selected and decisions made as directed.
Self-Management: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-pace environment.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others and being a positive team contributor.
Communication: Superior verbal communication skills with the ability to positively engage with and impart key information to members of the public.
Technology: Proficient with automated technologies that support area of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Requires operating a motor vehicle; operating equipment where carelessness could result in injury; standing for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling and/or crawling; using of manual dexterity and fine motor skills and identifying and distinguishing colors and shades of color
Requires manual labor with significant physical exertion (consistent need to lift, push, pull, carry, etc. over 50 lbs.). May require special safety precautions, such as working around moving parts, machines or with irritant chemicals, and may require use of protective clothing or gear
Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading correspondence, instructions and/or technical documents; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms

Nice To Haves

A NYS Pesticide Applicator or Technician License preferred

Responsibilities

Restoration & Maintenance of Park Landscapes
Participate in vegetation control in all areas of the park by hand-pulling, using power tools, and assisting with and/or overseeing herbicide application
Prepare and maintain planting sites by clearing and removing debris, raking and leveling soil, implementing erosion control techniques, and/or digging holes
Prune trees and shrubs as required for project goals, safety, and aesthetics
Cut, clear, and remove debris in landscape as a result of storms or general tree aging
Plant and/or seed prepared areas
Install, maintain, and/or remove fencing, woodchips, signage, and rustic rails
Remove litter and clear blocked drains
Remove hazards in the park and/or mitigates hazardous situations
Assist crews from LMO and M&O when necessary for emergencies, special events or special projects
Remove snow from assigned areas as needed
Planning & Documentation of Park Landscape Work
Complete zone survey on a regular basis and, in consultation with the Supervisor, make plans for upcoming work
Record daily records of work completed and time in/time out and works with Supervisor to make sure these are entered into the work tracking database
Record on a regular basis progress towards goals laid out in zone surveys
Vehicle, Equipment, Tool, & Workspace Operation & Maintenance
Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, brush hog, woodchipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools safely
Keep an inventory of tools and equipment and communicate with supervisor about additional tool and equipment needs
Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared workspaces as per standards set out by supervisor; communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to supervisor as they arise
Facilitate science in the park by coordinating with students, schools, universities, and governmental organizations
Travel to various parts of the Park as needed to carry out duties
Work with Deputy Director to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment tools and equipment such as chainsaw, chipper, tractor, and weed harvester
Volunteer Management & Public Engagement
Coordinate, track, lead, and document work completed by volunteers and interns in Prospect Park
Interact with the public to help resolve issues, provide information, and answer general park questions
Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned