Eco Zone Gardener

About the role

The Eco Zone Gardener upholds and implements the policies and standards for ecological restoration and sustainable ecological horticulture in Prospect Park as set forth by the Landscape Management team. The position reports to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener and works with a group of gardeners in an assigned ecological zone of the Park.

Responsibilities

• Participate in vegetation control in all areas of the park by hand-pulling, using power tools, and assisting with and/or overseeing herbicide application
• Prepare and maintain planting sites by clearing and removing debris, raking and leveling soil, implementing erosion control techniques, watering pre- and post-installation, and/or digging holes
• Prune trees and shrubs as required for project goals, safety, and aesthetics
• Cut, clear, and remove woody debris in the landscape as a result of storms or general tree aging
• Plant and/or seed prepared areas
• Install, maintain, and/or remove fencing, woodchips, signage, and rustic rails
• Remove litter and clear blocked drains
• 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
• Remove snow from assigned areas as needed
• Perform trail maintenance & construction
• Create and complete annual SMART goals for self, which support department goals and objectives
• Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, brush hog, wood chipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools safely
• Keep an inventory of tools and equipment, and communicate with the Lead Eco Zone Gardener/Landscape Manager about additional tool and equipment needs
• Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared workspaces as per standards set out by the LMO management team and communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to Lead Eco Zone Gardener/Landscape Manager as they arise
• Facilitate science in the park by coordinating with the Senior Forest Ecologist, students, schools, universities, and governmental organizations
• Travel to various parts of the Park as needed to carry out duties
• Work with Lead Eco Zone Gardener/Landscape Manager to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment, such as chainsaws, chipper, tractors, and weed harvester
• Coordinate, track, lead, and document work completed by volunteers and interns in Prospect Park
• Interact with the public to help resolve issues, provide information, and answer general park questions

Requirements

• A minimum of one (1) year of landscape management and ecological restoration experience in a public park setting, or three (3) years’ experience without a degree
• Strong knowledge of sustainable ecological best practices, native plants of the Northeast, plant species identification skills, and the ability to prioritize work
• A NYS Driver’s License
• A NYS Pesticide Applicator or Technician License preferred

Qualifications

• A degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries-related field, or Certificate 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
• Job Knowledge: Proficient in plant identification for the 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 landscaping vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, utility vehicles, weed whackers, and tractors, is required
• Health and Safety: Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulations 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 is highly motivated to produce high-quality work and achieve desired outcomes and results consistently
• 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 detail-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced 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 that support the area of responsibility, including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation + Benefits

Job Grade: 6
Hourly Rate: $24
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
Comprehensive Total Rewards package includes:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Supplemental Options: Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits, AFLAC & Pet Insurance
- 403b Contributions + 2% Employer Contributions
- 20 Vacation Days + 12 Paid Sick Days
- 14 Paid Holidays (all eligible to float/carryover)