The Van Cortlandt Park Landscape & Natural Areas Management Team oversees 600+ acres of forests, meadows and wetlands and 65 acres of turf, and performs other horticultural duties throughout the rest of the Park’s 1,146 acres. The Restoration Crew conducts a variety of activities in the Park’s natural areas including invasive species control, native species planting, trail maintenance, wetland restoration, turf management and erosion control.
Major Responsibilities
• Under supervision, perform restoration activities, including identifying and protecting native species, identifying and controlling invasive species, site clearing, planting and working with volunteers, and maintaining daily records of work.
• Operate cars, trucks, tractors and other types of motorized vehicles, including the use of 2-cycle equipment such as hedge- trimmers and chainsaws, application of herbicide, cutting and carrying woody debris, chipping, maintaining planting sites, equipment and nursery space.
• Train and supervise volunteers and interns as needed.
• May assist in activities such as grading, weeding, mulching; mowing, aerating and seeding lawns; and as directed, perform tasks in connection with cleaning grounds.
Minimum Qual Requirements
1. One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants shrubs and lawns; or
2. A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college-level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to 1 above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in 1 above.
4. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, after meeting the qualification requirements for Gardener – Assignment Level I, candidates must have one additional year of satisfactory, full time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following areas: propagating, planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, candidates must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator – Category 3A License issued by the New York State Department of Environmental conservation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Driver License Requirement: A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Preferred Skills
1.Bachelor or graduate degree with emphasis in botany, ecology, forestry and/or wildlife management or related fields.
2.Experience with hand and power tools used in natural resources work a plus.
3.Familiarity with both native and invasive plant species of the northeastern United States.
4.Ability to safely lift 50 lbs. of weight.
5.Valid New York State pesticide applicator or technician license.
Additional Information
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.
nyc.gov/parks
MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
To Apply
Parks Employees:
1)From a Parks computer: Access Employee Self Service (ESS) from the Parks Intranet under Applications or use this link: https://hrb.nycaps.nycnet/. Once in ESS, go to Careers and search for Job ID# 598947. Do not access ESS using nyc.gov/ess from a Parks computer.
Parks & City Employees:
2)From a Non-Parks computer: Access Employee Self Service (ESS) by going to nyc.gov/ess or use this link:https://a127-ess.nyc.gov/. Once in ESS, go to Careers and search for Job ID# 598947.
Include your ERN and Job ID# 598947 on your cover letter and resume.
All other applicants:
Go to nyc.gov/careers/search and search for Job ID# 598947.
55-a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Svc Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF .
Work Location
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
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 within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.
POSTING DATE
08/18/2023
POST UNTIL
09/15/2023
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.