Eco Zone Gardener
Location
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Work type
Field
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-3 years
Compensation
$24 - $24 per hour
Posted
8h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Eco Zone Gardener is responsible for ecological restoration and sustainable horticulture in Prospect Park, ensuring assigned zones are clean, safe, and visually appealing. This role involves landscape maintenance, operating vehicles and equipment, and coordinating volunteers, reporting to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener.
The Eco Zone Gardener implements ecological restoration and sustainable horticulture standards in an assigned Prospect Park ecological zone. Reporting to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener, this role works collaboratively to keep park landscapes clean, safe, healthy, and visually appealing.
Key Responsibilities
Landscape Restoration & Maintenance
Control vegetation through hand-pulling, power tools, and assisting with herbicide applications.
Prepare and maintain planting sites by clearing debris, raking, leveling soil, installing erosion controls, watering, and digging.
Plant and seed prepared areas; prune trees and shrubs for safety, aesthetics, and project goals.
Cut and remove woody debris from storms or aging trees.
Install, maintain, and remove fencing, woodchips, signage, and rustic rails.
Remove litter, clear blocked drains, address hazards, and assist with emergencies, events, and special projects.
Remove snow from assigned areas and perform trail maintenance/construction.
Conduct regular zone field surveys, plan upcoming work with leadership, and document daily work, hours, and progress toward goals.
Develop and complete annual SMART goals aligned with department objectives.
Vehicles, Equipment & Tools
Safely operate and maintain vehicles and equipment including trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, chainsaws, string trimmers, mowers, brush hogs, chippers, and hedge trimmers.
Maintain tool/equipment inventories and shared workspaces and report safety or maintenance issues.
Support training on complex or hazardous equipment.
Travel throughout the Park as needed.
Facilitate ecological research and science initiatives with students, schools, universities, and government organizations.
Volunteers & Public Engagement
Coordinate, lead, track, and document volunteer and intern work.
Provide friendly, responsive customer service, answer park questions, and help resolve visitor concerns.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries, or related field, or a Horticulture certificate preferred.
1+ year of landscape management/ecological restoration experience in a public park setting, or 3+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
Strong knowledge of sustainable ecological practices, Northeast native plants, plant identification, and work prioritization.
Valid NYS Driver’s License.
NYS Pesticide Applicator or Technician License preferred.
Core Competencies
Knowledge of Northeast plant identification, ecological restoration, sustainable horticulture, planting, and pruning.
Safe operation and maintenance of landscaping vehicles, machinery, power tools, and hand tools.
Strong commitment to health, safety, risk management, ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage priorities and deadlines, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
Excellent customer service and public engagement skills.
Proficiency with G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Commitment to public parks, environmental conservation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Working Conditions
Field-based work involves exposure to weather, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, noise, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. Requires driving and operating machinery; standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying 50+ lbs; and using protective equipment as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Job Grade: 6 | Hourly Rate: $24 | FLSA: Non-Exempt
Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision; FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits, AFLAC, and Pet Insurance; 403(b) with 2% employer contribution; 20 vacation days; 12 paid sick days; and 14 paid holidays.
Updated 8h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-3 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$24 - $24 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Prospect Park Alliance
Team size
Growing team
Location
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Prospect Park Alliance is dedicated to the ecological restoration and sustainable horticulture of Prospect Park, serving diverse park users and fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.
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Eco Zone Gardener
Brooklyn, New York, United States • Full Time