Reports to: Manager – Natural Areas

Department: Natural Areas

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

About the Central Park Conservancy:

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $1.6 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City.  The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $100 million.

Job Summary:

The Natural Areas Foreperson in the Landscape Management Department of the Central Park Conservancy is responsible for the daily direction of staff working at a pre-determined maintenance schedule and ensuring all work meets acceptable organizational practice. The natural areas in Central Park – Hallett Nature Sanctuary, Ramble, North Woods and meadow areas.

Essential Duties:

Working under the general supervision of the Natural Areas Assistant Manager, the Foreperson is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Working alongside and providing direction to Natural Areas Technicians, care for and maintain all landscapes including invasive plants and maintenance of native and aquatic plants
• Provides instruction to and guides Natural Areas Technicians in the proper techniques of landscape management and in the proper use and care of tools, equipment and materials
• Perform mowing, string trimming, watering, weeding, seeding, raking, sweeping and other related duties as assigned
• Inspects and ensures all work is performed to meet organizational standards of methods and practices, safety and other established requirements
• Support waste management operation by picking up and performing proper disposal of trash in landscapes, paths, perimeter; empties trash cans as necessary
• Supervise the snow removal program and perform duties of snow removal, with machines and physical labor
• Keep simple records and make written reports
• 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 in the coordination with Assistant Manager and Volunteer Coordinator of volunteer projects; mentor interns
• Interact with Park patrons in a professional manner
• Perform tours of the Woodlands discussing plants, ecology and maintenance as needed
• Daily reports of malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues
• Perform related work as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college in a related field; 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance work in the field of Landscape Management and/or urban woodland restoration; demonstrated ability to work well and collaborate with others; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above. However, all candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate with others
• Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment
• Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of urban park maintenance using modern practices; native and invasive plants; urban woodland ecology

Abilities Required:

• 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 for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects and problem solve
• Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions

Salary range: $65K - $81K (based on level of experience)

Note: This is an on-site position.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all. 

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the Park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.

Safety requirements

Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations.  Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities.  Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.).  If an employee discovers a potential dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.