Seasonal Field Crew Leader

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 05/01/2023  Compensation: $20-22/hour depending on experience

Van Cortlandt Park seeks a full-time Seasonal Field Crew Leader to assist with maintenance efforts within the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park.
The Seasonal Field Crew Leader is responsible for leading a small team in carrying out a series of forest, trail, and pond management projects, as well as assist with volunteer programming. Van Cortlandt Park contains roughly 640 acres of land protected under New York City’s Forever Wild Program. This section of the park consists of mixed-deciduous forests, small upland meadows, vernal pools, forest streams, a pond, and more! It is a home or refuge for a biodiverse community of flora and fauna. It is also home to many trails including a world renowned Cross Country Course. 

Alongside New York City Parks, the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is dedicated to managing the natural areas and trails of Van Cortlandt Park to promote the health of this important ecosystem for future generations.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Seasonal Field Crew Leader will work closely with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and NYC Parks staff to collaborate on maintenance efforts throughout the park.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Remove non-indigeneous plant species from within the Van Cortlandt Park forest in efforts to maintain the health of the forest.
  • Close desire lines within the forest in an effort to reduce forest fragmentation.
  • Meet weekly with Deputy Director to touch base on crew workload.
  • Input fieldwork data into VCPA database.
  • Maintain Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond through the removal of water chestnut (Trapa natans) and other invasive aquatic species with the assistance of volunteers and high school interns.
  • Correct worn and eroded sections of the historic cross country running course and surrounding areas.
  • General track and course maintenance including: raking, trash removal, fence repair and installation, pruning, weeding, and painting.
  • Daily inspections, in season, of complete Cross Country Course for hazards.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or work experience in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or other natural science;
  • NYS Drivers License;
  • Working knowledge of invasive species management, local habitats, flora, and fauna;
  • Willing to do physically demanding work in inclement weather and wet conditions;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communication skills;
  • Motivated and punctual;
  • Able to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • Proof of Covid-19 vaccination, and;
  • Experience in environmental education and outreach to community and school groups (a plus).

Contact Information

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Contact Name: Christina Taylor
Email: christina@vancortlandt.org
Phone: 7186011460
Website: Apply Online