Van Cortlandt Park Alliance seeks Ecological and Trail Stewardship Technicians (4) to assist with trail maintenance and ecological restoration efforts within the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park in the Northwest Bronx. 

Van Cortlandt Park is an 1,146 acre recreational area containing sports fields and courts, 20 miles of multi-use trails, and two golf courses. 640 acres of this land is protected under New York City’s Forever Wild Program and consists of mixed-deciduous forests, small upland meadows, vernal pools, forest streams, a pond, and more. It is a biodiverse community of flora and fauna and a home to many trails including a world renowned Cross Country Running Course which draws tens of thousands visitors annually. 

Alongside the NYC Parks, VCPA is dedicated to managing the natural areas and trails of Van Cortlandt Park to promote the health of this important ecosystem for future generations. The Stewardship Technicians are responsible for assisting in carrying out trail and ecosystem management projects and volunteer programming in support of these projects. 

Reporting to the Trail Stewardship Coordinator, they will work closely with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and NYC Parks staff to collaborate on stewardship efforts throughout the park. The responsibilities of this position are seasonally dependent and the work focus changes as follows: 

• Spring - Forest Restoration and Trail Structure Installation;
• Summer - Water Chestnut and Invasive Species Removal, and;
• Fall - Trail Maintenance with a focus on the Cross Country Trail. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identify and remove non-indigenous plant species from within the Van Cortlandt Park forest in efforts to increase the health of the forest;
• Plant a variety of native trees and shrubs to contribute to ecosystem restoration efforts. 
• Survey and identify trail stewardship needs throughout the park’s trail system; 
• Prune and clear trail corridors of vegetation encroachment and forest debris; 
• Remove invasive aquatic species, including water chestnut from Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond through the removal of water chestnut and other invasive aquatic species;
• Maintain the historic cross country running course, addressing erosion and wear;
• Construct a variety of trail features, including turnpikes, puncheons, waterbars, check steps and rock staircases;
• Guide and actively engage volunteers during trail days, forest restoration days, and other programming and events to create a memorable experience;
• Maintain tools and equipment while following established safety protocols, and
• Other general trail and dog run maintenance including: mowing, raking, mulching, trash removal, fence repair and installation, pruning, weeding, and painting.

Required Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of invasive species management, local habitats, conservation practices, tools and moving mechanical equipment, native flora, and fauna;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrably strong work ethic and critical thinking;
• Reliable and self-motivated and punctual;
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Physical capacity to lift 50 pounds and work in challenging weather conditions;
• Experience with iNaturalist (a plus); 
• NYS Drivers License (a plus); 
• Appropriate work wear (i.e. footwear, raingear, etc) must be provided by employee;
• Experience in environmental education and outreach to community and school groups (a plus), and;
• Passion for ecological concepts and environmental stewardship.

Position: 

• Season runs late April and runs through early November
• 35 hours per week. 
• Monday-Friday schedule with occasional Saturday work available. 
• Report locations vary depending on project

Salary: $20.00 per hour

Reports to: Trail Stewardship Coordinator

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 

Preserves, supports, and promotes the ecological, recreational and historical value of 

Van Cortlandt Park. The organization raises funds to support the park, oversees 2,000+ volunteers per year, educates over 1,000 students, and provides cultural and environmental programming for the public, encouraging them to become stewards of their beloved green resource in the Bronx. 

Please support our work – sign up to volunteer or donate today! 

For more information, visit vancortlandt.org.