Tree Care Technician (10 month seasonal)

Prospect Park Alliance, Inc•New York, NY

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tree Care Technician is a seasonal, 10-month position from February to December. This person will work with the Prospect Park Alliance Arborist to care for trees and conduct general landscape maintenance in Prospect Park with a particular focus on maintenance of newly planted trees as part of the commemorative donor tree planting program.

Requirements

A valid NYS Driver’s License
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field, or applied certification in Horticulture preferred
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 groundskeeping vehicles and equipment including but not limited to infield groomers, utility vehicles, weed whackers and riding and push lawn mowers is required, Ability to successfully procure, store and plant B&B-sized trees
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 to support area of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

A valid NYS CDL Driver’s License preferred
Experience with mapping software or GIS preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain trees in the landscape by monitoring, watering, pruning, weeding, fencing, and removing trees if necessary
Plant balled and burlapped trees in turf areas as part of the commemorative donor tree program.
Plant container and bareroot trees in natural areas as part of Prospect Park Alliance’s ongoing restoration work
Work with Alliance staff to undertake basic tree work (e.g., pruning, removal, and clearing of storm damage) safely and effectively with the support of Prospect Park Alliance crews as needed
Perform measures to support key specimen trees, including decompaction, fencing, mulching, applying compost or other soil amendments
Manage database software to track and monitor trees and record work orders and changes in tree health
Lead groups of volunteers engaged in woodland restoration work and commemorative tree care
Remove snow and perform other emergency response activities throughout the park as assigned.
Remove hazards in the park and/or mitigate hazardous situations
Assist crews from LMO and M&O when necessary for emergencies, special events, or special projects
Operation and Maintenance of Vehicles, Equipment, Tools & Shared Work Areas.
Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor, backhoe), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, water pump, woodchipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools in a safe manner
Maintain standards of cleanliness and organization in shared work areas including vehicles and tool storage sheds
Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned