Eco Zone Gardener

Location: New York

Job Overview

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 Eco Zone Gardener is responsible for ensuring their assigned zones are clean, safe, and visually appealing. This position will report to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener and will work with a group of gardeners in an assigned ecological zone of the Park.

Essential

Job Functions / Key Job Outcomes Restoration & Maintenance of Park Landscapes

• 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
• Complete Zone Field Survey regularly and, in consultation with the Lead Eco Zone Gardener and Landscape Manager, make plans for upcoming work
• Record daily records of work completed and time in/time out, and work with the Lead EZG and Landscape Manager to make sure these are entered into the work tracking database
• Record progress towards goals laid out in zone field surveys
• Create and complete annual SMART goals for self, which support department goals and objectives

Vehicle, Equipment, Tool & Workspace Operation & Maintenance

• 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 EZG/Landscape Manager about additional tool and equipment needs
• Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared work spaces as per standards set out by the LMO management team and communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to Lead EZG/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 EZG/Landscape Manager to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment, such as chainsaws, chipper, tractors, and weed harvester

Volunteer Management & Public Engagement

• 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

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Education & Experience

• Associates’ or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries‑related field, or Certificate in Horticulture preferred
• 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

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• 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…