Dune Squad Leader (Restoration)
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: April 1, 2026 Compensation: $28/hour
RISE is looking to hire a part-time, seasonal Dune Squad Leader to provide support in implementing
“Greater Rockaway” Coastal Resilience Plan, a long-term, community-centered dune restoration project along the Rockaway peninsula. This position will begin at twenty-one (21) to twenty-four (24) hours per week at $28 per hour. The schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with select Saturdays.
Responsibilities/Duties
Dune Squad Leader will be involved in many aspects of the restoration project, including:
- Managing and supervising a group of six (6) crew members, including daily check-ins and task assignments
- Collaborating with RISE staff about restoration work progress on a daily basis and communicating site needs or challenges
- Implementing dune restoration project plans, including site preparation, watering, planting, and invasive plant removal
- Training crew members, youth, and volunteers on proper restoration techniques, tool use, and safe work practices
- Working with youth and volunteer groups to carry out restoration tasks
- Assisting with RISE's Dune Restoration Volunteer Program by providing task guidance and support for weekly volunteer shifts
- Assisting with the planning and execution of public community plantings on select weekends
- Maintaining restoration tools, equipment, and supplies
- Documenting restoration progress through data collection and photos for reporting and outreach
- Ensuring restoration sites are kept clean through the disposal of trash and litter
Qualifications/Requirements
The ideal candidate:
- Lives in or has a connection to the Rockaway peninsula
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Background in ecological or environmental restoration projects
- Knowledge of native and invasive plant species, as well as habitat restoration techniques
- Eager to learn about dune restoration and has an interest in native plants of the Northeast coastal ecosystem
- Enthusiastic about working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold
- Work independently or with a team
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Perform heavy physical labor on a regular basis and lift and carry fifty (50) pounds
Additional Information
RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity) is a community-based organization in Far
Rockaway, New York, that provides enriching youth and civic programming to instill individual and civil respect for nature and contributes to advancing social equity and the physical well-being of our vibrant coastal neighborhood in Queens.
To apply, please send, by February 27, 2026, a brief cover letter, with details of your availability, and a résumé to Juvie Anne Alfeche (jalfeche@riserockaway.org) and copy Alana Danieu (adanieu@riserockaway.org), with “Dune Squad Leader” in the subject.
Contact Information
RISE- Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity
Contact Name: Juvie Anne Alfeche
Email: jalfeche@riserockaway.org
Phone: 7183275919
Website: Apply Online