The Lower East Side Ecology Center has pioneered community-based models in urban sustainability since 1987. We provide unique e-waste and composting services, environmental stewardship opportunities, and educational programming to all New Yorkers to create an equitable, resilient, and sustainable city. 

THE POSITION: Stewardship Manager

The Ecology Center seeks a Stewardship Manager who is deeply motivated to inspire environmental stewardship and volunteerism among people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills and lead the environmental stewardship program. The Ecology Center stewards public green spaces including East River Park, Pier 42, and Tompkins Square Park. Since many of the spaces we steward are NYC Parks, close collaboration with Parks staff and ‘Friends of’ groups is an important part of making this program successful. The Stewardship manager is responsible for managing corporate as well as community volunteers, developing horticultural maintenance plans and overseeing the Horticulture Training Program. Availability on weekends during the growing season is a must. The person in this role will also manage a small team which includes one full-time stewardship coordinator and collaborate with a  part-time master gardener. The Stewardship Manager will report to the Executive Director. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Landscape Management

• Plan and oversee the maintenance of green spaces in East River Park, Tompkins Square Park, and Pier 42, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly practices
• Develop seasonal horticultural work plans, including removal of invasive species and increasing soil health by applying compost and mulch 
• Collaborate with our master gardener on bulb planting and adding native plants to existing planting beds
• Document and measure the volume of yard and leaf waste generated in Pier 42 and East River Park to help plan for composting of these materials in East River Park’s compost yard

Volunteer Engagement

• Recruit, train, and coordinate community volunteers for regular stewardship events and special projects 
• Lead corporate volunteer groups of various sizes in hands-on park care activities, ensuring safety and an engaging experience
• Foster long-term relationships with volunteers to build a strong community support network

Horticulture Training Program Oversight

• Oversee the Horticulture Training Program, providing participants with hands-on training and mentorship in horticultural practices
• Collaborate with program instructors to develop curriculum components focused on park stewardship and ecological care

Community Outreach and Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between LES Ecology Center, local community groups, and city agencies to coordinate park care activities and events
• Promote the organization’s mission through outreach initiatives and social media
• Support special events, such as the Fall Social, collaborative workshops and outreach events

Administrative Duties

• Manage stewardship team members by providing mentorship, task management, regular check-ins, and performance reviews
• Maintain records of volunteer activities, horticulture training program progress, and park maintenance efforts
• Coordinate logistics with corporate groups, including details like group size, waiver signatures, meeting location, task assignments, and follow-ups. This includes sending thank-you notes, sharing photos, and providing metrics on their accomplishments for the day
• Work with the Development Manager to secure funding for the stewardship program, including grant writing, and developing plans for program growth
• Manage contracts and grant reporting related to stewardship activities

CORE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in urban horticulture and sustainable landscaping practices. We expect at least 4 years of hands-on experience; public green space experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience in environmental science, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage staff and diverse groups of volunteers
• Excellent attention to detail when it comes to organizing volunteer event logistics
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as squatting, kneeling, and standing for extended periods, comfortably handle items weighing up to 50 lbs, and work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Flexibility to work on weekends and evenings (varies based on the season, but could range from 1-3 weekend days/month)
• Comfortable with Mac OS, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive apps
• A valid driver’s license is required and willingness to drive on NYC streets.
• Willingness to learn how to operate a cargo bike on NYC streets (training will be provided)

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES PREFERRED

• Bilingual skills
• Comfortable with being flexible and adapting to change
• Demonstrated mentorship and leadership skills
• Experience designing and implementing training or educational programs