Park Worker 3 (Allegany State Park - Tree Crew)

About the role

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the Allegany Region is seeking a Park Worker 3 to manage the Allegany Region Tree Crew. This position coordinates hazardous tree mitigation, determines tree planting needs, schedules and tracks budgets for seasonal staff, and trains and evaluates sawyers on the tree crew and at each facility.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Tree Crew operations and safety, including training subordinate staff in the identification of native and ornamental trees and the operation of equipment/tools used for tree and brush removal.
• Confer with Park Managers to identify hazardous trees for removal or pruning and assist in hazardous tree assessments throughout the region.
• Oversee and perform tree care operations, including tree removal, pruning from aerial lifts and the ground, planting, stump grinding, brush chipping, and integrative pest and vegetation management.
• Ensure work adheres to current arboricultural best practices and safety standards.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, dump trucks, chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, and other heavy equipment and hand tools.
• Identify native and ornamental park trees and apply knowledge of tree growth and physiological characteristics.
• Interact with park patrons to resolve concerns, answer questions, and provide general directions.
• Perform grounds maintenance duties, including refuse/litter collection, restroom cleaning, road and trail maintenance, and winter snow removal.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One year of experience in the operation and/or maintenance of a park, historic site, golf course, or recreational facility; OR
• One year of experience in law enforcement, security, firefighting, emergency medical services, environmental education, natural resources management, historic preservation, landscaping, or grounds maintenance; OR
• One year of military service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; OR
• Thirty semester credit hours of college-level coursework from an accredited institution; OR
• Completion of a two-year technical/trades school program; OR
• Two years of experience as a trade assistant under direct supervision of a skilled tradesperson.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for New York State.
• Must be available to work a variable schedule, including weekends, holidays, and/or evening shifts.
• Must complete OPRHP sawyer training or equivalent within the probationary period and maintain certification.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR training within the probationary period.
• Must be physically able to perform medium to heavy manual labor and lift up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to operate and perform routine maintenance on power-driven mechanical equipment, including trucks, chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and skid steers.
• Must be willing to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
  • Paid Time Off: 44 days (13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 5 personal leave days, 13 holidays).
  • Health care benefits with affordable options for employees and dependents.
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
  • New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) membership.
  • Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Paid parental leave.

To learn more about benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.