Idlewild Stewardship Associate

City of New York•Rego Park, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NYC Parks is hiring a 12-week, grant-funded Idlewild Stewardship Associate to support stewardship programs and community engagement in Southeast Queens and throughout New York City. The role supports service events, trainings, recruitment, and workshops involving volunteers and interns, and contributes to natural-area and street-tree projects. The position is based at Idlewild Park in Queens and is expected to start November 2, 2026. The schedule is 35 hours per week; a part-time schedule is available, with a minimum of two days per week. The associate works under general direction with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment. Duties include leading and participating in outdoor stewardship projects, supervising and instructing volunteers and interns, supporting public and private events, maintaining participant and fieldwork records, and coordinating with division staff, park managers, community groups, and other agencies. The position is classified as Community Associate. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of relevant community work or community-centered activities, or equivalent education and/or experience. Hired candidates are subject to a $68 processing fee; candidates not currently employed by the City are also subject to a $107.50 background check fee.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described; or equivalent education and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Support service events, trainings, recruitment, and workshops engaging volunteers and interns in Southeast Queens.
Lead and participate in natural-area vegetation management, native vegetation plantings, trail work, erosion control, coastal clean-ups, street-tree care, and other service projects throughout New York City.
Manage and supervise volunteers and interns in outdoor settings, including forests, wetlands, and city streets; instruct them in project techniques and the use and care of equipment and materials.
Support community engagement and planning for public and private events facilitated by the Stewardship team.
Recruit, manage, and supervise volunteers and interns in outdoor settings.
Update and maintain records, prepare written reports, enter participant information and fieldwork into Excel tracking forms, and sketch work areas in ArcGIS.
Track participant recruitment and engagement progress against Stewardship program goals.
Support on-site work with other division activities, local park managers, community groups, and other agencies.
Assist with volunteer registration and lead volunteers at events as assigned.
Facilitate and enhance train-the-trainer options to expand volunteer opportunities.