NYC Parks is the steward of over 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks.
The Division of Environment and Planning aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City's green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group within Environment and Planning manages over 12,000 acres of natural areas across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and has secured tens of millions of dollars of grant from state, federal and private sources over the past decades to fund restoration and management across these ecosystems. Employees who work for 6 months or longer are eligible for healthcare benefits.
Major Responsibilities
- Under general direction, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, support service events, trainings, recruitment and workshops engaging volunteers and interns in street tree care workshops and other service projects, with a focus in Central Queens.
- Direct preparation of sites and determine suitability for volunteers.
- 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 a variety of outdoors settings including forests, wetlands and along New York City streets, instructing them in proper project techniques and the use and care of equipment and materials.
- Support community engagement and planning efforts for scheduled public and private events facilitated by the Stewardship team. Recruit, manage and supervise volunteers and interns in a variety of outdoors settings.
- Update and maintain records, prepare written reports, including the regular entry of participant information and fieldwork into Excel tracking forms and sketching work areas in ArcGIS. Track participant recruitment and engagement progress against Stewardship program goals.
- Support on-site efforts with other work happening within the division, with local park managers, local community groups and other agencies.
- Assist in registration and leading volunteers at events as assigned.
- Facilitate and enhance train-the-trainer options to provide wider variety of opportunities for volunteers.
Work Location: Queens Duration: 12 Months Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee of $68.00. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.
How to Apply
All Applicants: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID#
- All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.
*Current City Employees please include your ERN and Job ID# on your cover letter and resume.
nyc.gov/parks MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams
- Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)
Minimum Qualifications
Qualification Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.
Preferred Skills
- Can maintain a flexible schedule by working weekends and occasional evenings.
- Fluent in Spanish.
- Valid New York State driver license.
- Ability to lift 50lbs. and handle gas-powered equipment.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Experience working with and motivating volunteers.
- Can work effectively as part of a team and independently.
Residency Requirement
Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates within 90 days of hire.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.