Natural Areas Crew Member

NYC Parks is the steward of over 30,000 acres of land, 14 percent of New York City, including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. The Division of Environment and Planning aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City's green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group within Environment and Planning manages over 10,000 acres of natural areas across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and has secured tens of millions of dollars of grant from state, federal and private sources over the past decades to fund the restoration and management across these ecosystems. Major Responsibilities Under supervision, assist in natural areas management work, including identifying and protecting native species, identifying and controlling invasive species, identifying and mitigating erosion concerns, installing and maintaining trail improvement structures, removing debris and trash, maintaining planting sites, improving trails, and planting. Work may be performed in multiple habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. May drive cars, pickup trucks, and other types of motorized vehicles, operate two‑cycle equipment such as hedge‑trimmers and chainsaws, utilize hand tools such as loppers, pruners, pick mattocks, mcleods and pulaskis, apply herbicide, cut and carry woody debris, chip and maintain planting sites. Inventory and maintain natural area project supplies and equipment. Interact with staff and the public in a courteous and professional manner. Work Location: Queensbridge Duration: 5 Months Minimum Qualifications One year of full‑time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following: planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns; or A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college‑level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.; or A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to 1 above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in 1 above. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, after meeting the qualification requirements for Gardener – Assignment Level I, candidates must have one additional year of satisfactory, full‑time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following areas: propagating, planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, candidates must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator – Category 3A License issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment. Driver License Requirement A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment. Preferred Skills Experience with hand and power tools and their maintenance. Experience with coastal ecology, ecological restoration methods, and identification of plant species of the northeastern United States. Valid New York State pesticide applicator or technician license. Ability to safely lift 50 lbs. of weight. 55a Program This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55‑a Program. Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at Residency Requirement Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates. Additional Information The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. Salary: $24.16 – $27.79 #J-18808-Ljbffr City of New York