Foreperson, Natural Areas

Central Park Conservancy • New York, NY

390d • $65,000 - $81,000

About The Position

The Foreperson of Natural Areas at Central Park Conservancy is responsible for overseeing the conservation and protection of designated natural areas within Central Park. This role involves leading a team of Natural Areas Technicians in ecological restoration practices, ensuring that all work aligns with organizational standards. The Foreperson will engage in hands-on activities, provide training, and maintain the health of the park's ecosystems while interacting with park patrons and supporting various operational tasks.

Requirements

• Professional work experience that includes a minimum of 4 years of increasingly responsible roles in natural areas land management.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education from an accredited college or institution in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work well and collaborate with others.
• Valid Drivers' License that must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow one to prioritize work, multitask, problem solve, and effectively use downtime to plan work with others.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor daily in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Natural Areas Technicians to provide guidance in ecological restoration practices.
• Train others to use systematic land management approaches to promote ecosystem health and services.
• Teach and work alongside staff to plant, transplant, weed, control and dispose of invasive species, prune, conduct trail maintenance work, collect seeds, irrigate new plantings, perform tree care, oversee waterbody maintenance, perform general lawn care and trimming, and other related duties.
• Oversee general hardscape maintenance within the Natural Areas along park drives and on walkways, including debris removal, fence installation and repair, graffiti removal, sign maintenance, and safety pruning.
• Guide staff to successfully meet Natural Areas and organizational standards of practice, safety, and other established requirements.
• Support waste management operation by picking up and performing proper disposal of trash in landscapes and on paths; empties trash cans as necessary.
• Supervise the snow removal program and perform duties of snow removal, with machines and physical labor.
• Keep records and make written reports based on management directives and goals.
• Train staff to maintain tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair.
• Cooperate with other staff within the department and other department personnel in completing assigned tasks.
• Assist in the preparation of special events as needed.
• Operate various types of equipment including light or medium weight trucks and tractors.
• Assist teams to identify and lead volunteer projects.
• Participate in continuous training towards professional development.
• Interact with Park patrons in a professional manner.
• Perform tours of the Woodlands discussing plants, ecology and maintenance as needed.
• Report malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees