Eco Zone Gardener; Seasonal

Description

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 making sure their assigned zones are clean, safe, and beautiful. This is a 9+ month seasonal position starting in February and ending in December. The hourly rate for this position is $24.

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, and/or digging holes
• Prune trees and shrubs as required for project goals, safety, and aesthetics
• Cut, clear, and remove debris in 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 mitigates 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

Planning & Documentation of Park Landscape Work

• Complete zone survey on a regular basis and, in consultation with the Supervisor, make plans for upcoming work
• Record daily records of work completed and time in/time out and works with Supervisor to make sure these are entered into the work tracking database
• Record on a regular basis progress towards goals laid out in zone surveys

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 supervisor about additional tool and equipment needs
• Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared work spaces as per standards set out by supervisor; communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to supervisor as they arise
• Facilitate science in the park by coordinating with students, schools, universities, and governmental organizations
• Travel to various parts of the Park as needed to carry out duties
• Work with Deputy Director to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment tools and equipment such as chainsaw, chipper, tractor, 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

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

• Two-year college degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries related field, or Certificate in Horticulture
• A minimum of one (1) to three (3) year landscape management and ecological restoration experience in a public park setting; or a minimum of two (2) years’ experience without a degree
• A valid Driver’s License
• A NYS Pesticide Applicator or Technician License 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.
• Landscape Management Knowledge:
  Proficient in plant identification for 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…