Natural Areas Technician I or II
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $46,000-59,800 per year
The Natural Areas Technician works closely with a team of ecologically minded professionals to ensure the conservation and protection of designated natural areas in Central Park (i.e., North Woods, Ramble, Dene Slope, and Hallett Nature Sanctuary). The Natural Areas Technician works under the guidance of the Natural Areas Manager, Assistant Manager, and Foreperson to provide all manner of care to these landscapes within the park. It is expected that the Natural Areas Technician will work within and across their Section and with other staff in Landscape Management to perform their primary tasks.
Responsibilities/Duties
Technical Responsibilities:
- Provide general landscape care based on unique needs of the Natural Areas (i.e., woodland, wetland, and meadow management).
- Apply land management practices to control invasive species and steward native plants to promote ecosystem health and services according to an established schedule of organizational standards.
- Planting/weeding (i.e., herbs, vines, shrubs, and trees), trail work, corridor pruning, transplanting, seed collection, watering, lawn care and other related duties.
- Provide general hardscape maintenance within the Natural Areas (e.g., sweeps around benches/stairs, clears paths of debris, removes graffiti, fence installation and repair).
- Keep simple records (e.g., tracking plantings).
- Maintain surface drainage by keeping catch basins free of debris during heavy rainstorms and remaining snow and ice in the winter months.
- Support waste management operation by picking up and performing proper disposal of trash in landscapes and paths; empties trash cans as necessary.
- Perform snow removal and ice mitigation on paths with machines and physical labor to provide appropriate levels of access as per established organizational standards.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Works with and teaches volunteers and seasonal interns.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office and other software applications.
- Seeks out and participates in training sessions and seminars.
- Cooperate with other staff within the department and other department personnel in completing tasks.
- Displays the necessary initiative and dependability to work alone or in groups and makes regular contributions to solving section-based problems.
- Interact with park patrons and colleagues in a courteous and professional manner.
- Assist in the preparation of special events as needed.
Related Work:
- Operate various types of equipment including utility vehicles.
- Maintain tools and equipment in good working order and reports items that require repair.
- Participate in all training sessions and seminars
- Reports on malfunctioning infrastructure, safety hazards, and quality of life issues.
- Perform related work as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree or other equivalent education in a related field and professional work experience in natural areas land management Fundamental understanding and working knowledge of ecological restoration and natural areas land management Ability to identify native and non-native plants specific to the northeast US Valid Driver’s License that must be maintained for duration of employment Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed Ability to lift 50lbs and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions
Additional Requirements for Assignment to Natural Areas Technician II
A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience as described above in natural areas land management that is equivalent to at least 5 years’ experience. Proficient understanding and working knowledge of ecological restoration and natural areas land management. CPC Internal Candidates:
Demonstrated full proficiency of essential job duties
Satisfactory performance evaluation
Note: This is in-person (not remote role).
Contact Information
Central Park Conservancy
Website: Apply Online