Parks and Recreation Aide 5-7 - Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance

Responsibilities

• While operating independently, perform planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and trimming of shrubs, vines, flowers, and crop plants once trained.
• Identify, supervise, or otherwise handle the removal of invasive species.
• Inspect the operating area to identify potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, and landscaping requirements; report findings to supervisors and/or take corrective actions independently as appropriate.
• Maintain planted beds and various areas through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, and raking.
• Operate and maintain hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, etc.
• Answer questions for park visitors about horticulture, history, and general information, and provide rule enforcement.
• Operate light trucks and other motor vehicles as required.
• Load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed.
• Perform routine manual maintenance tasks including litter removal.
• Maintain equipment and supplies properly and ensure they are stored safely.
• Perform snow removal and maintain grounds and structures as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows legal operation of a motor vehicle in New York State; if not licensed at appointment, obtain an unrestricted license within 12 months.
• Must be able to write and communicate proficiently in English; ability to communicate in Spanish is helpful but not required.
• No minimum civil‑service qualifications required for this title.
• Prior grounds‑maintenance experience preferred.
• Must be able to multitask in a fast‑paced environment, work independently, and set priorities as assigned by a supervisor.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required.
• Willingness to support additional tasks and projects, including occasional assignments at other New York State Parks in the New York City region.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, including weekends as needed, with occasional extended hours.

Benefits

• Option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System.
• Potential eligibility for health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunity for paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave) after meeting time‑and‑service requirements.
• For full details, see the NY State Parks benefits page.