Eco Zone Gardener

JOB OVERVIEW

The Eco Zone Gardener upholds and implements the policies and standards for ecological restoration and sustainable ecological horticulture in Prospect Park as set forth by the Landscape Management team. The Eco Zone Gardener is responsible for ensuring their assigned zones are clean, safe, and visually appealing. This position will report to a Lead Eco Zone Gardener and will work with a group of gardeners in an assigned ecological zone of the Park.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

Restoration & Maintenance of Park Landscapes

• Participate in vegetation control in all areas of the park by hand-pulling, using power tools, and assisting with and/or overseeing herbicide application
• Prepare and maintain planting sites by clearing and removing debris, raking and leveling soil, implementing erosion control techniques, watering pre- and post-installation, and/or digging holes
• Prune trees and shrubs as required for project goals, safety, and aesthetics
• Cut, clear, and remove woody debris in the landscape as a result of storms or general tree aging
• Plant and/or seed prepared areas
• Install, maintain, and/or remove fencing, woodchips, signage, and rustic rails
• Remove litter and clear blocked drains
• Remove hazards in the park and/or mitigate hazardous situations
• Assist crews from LMO and M+O when necessary for emergencies, special events, or special projects
• Remove snow from assigned areas as needed
• Perform trail maintenance & construction
• Complete Zone Field Survey regularly and, in consultation with the Lead Eco Zone Gardener (EZG) and Landscape Manager, make plans for upcoming work
• Record daily records of work completed and time in/time out, and work with the Lead EZG and Landscape Manager to make sure these are entered into the work tracking database
• Record progress towards goals laid out in zone field surveys
• Create and complete annual SMART goals for self, which support department goals and objectives.

Vehicle, Equipment, Tool, & Workspace Operation & Maintenance

• Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, brush hog, wood chipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools safely
• Keep an inventory of tools and equipment, and communicate with the Lead EZG/Landscape Manager about additional tool and equipment needs
• Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared workspaces as per standards set out by the LMO management team and communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to Lead EZG/Landscape Manager as they arise
• Facilitate science in the park by coordinating with the Senior Forest Ecologist, students, schools, universities, and governmental organizations
• Travel to various parts of the Park as needed to carry out duties
• Work with Lead EZG/Landscape Manager to train people on more dangerous or complicated equipment, such as chainsaws, chipper, tractors, and weed harvester

Volunteer Management & Public Engagement

• Coordinate, track, lead, and document work completed by volunteers and interns in Prospect Park
• Interact with the public to help resolve issues, provide information, and answer general park questions

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associates' or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries-related field, or Certificate in Horticulture preferred
• One (1) year of landscape management and ecological restoration experience in a public park setting, or three (3) years’ experience without a degree
• Strong knowledge of sustainable ecological best practices, native plants of the Northeast, plant species identification skills, and the ability to prioritize work
• A NYS Driver’s License
• A NYS Pesticide Applicator or Technician License preferred

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences, and embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.   
•  Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Job Knowledge: Proficient in plant identification for the northeast US region, use of landscape tools, experience with ecological restoration, and/or sustainable ecological horticulture. Proper planting and pruning techniques.
•        Machinery Operation: Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation is essential. The ability to safely operate and maintain various landscaping vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, utility vehicles, weed whackers, and tractors, is required. 
•       Health and Safety: Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulations and organizational policies. Manages risk, including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks, and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others.
• Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent, responsive, and friendly customer service to patrons and park visitors. 
• Results and Impact Focus: Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and is highly motivated to produce high-quality work and achieve desired outcomes and results consistently.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving: Alerts others to possible problems in a timely fashion. Seeks support to solve problems. Offers possible solutions. Acts on solutions selected and decisions made as directed.
• Self-Management: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detail-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others, and being a positive team contributor.
• Communication: Superior verbal communication skills with the ability to positively engage with and impart key information to members of the public.
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies that support the area of responsibility, including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is normally performed in the field, which subjects the employee to various external elements, including potentially adverse weather conditions, and involves frequent exposure to challenging elements such as extreme dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc. 
• Additionally, involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident/injury requiring the following basic safety precautions, and exposure to potentially hazardous substances, or other significant job environmental risks
• Requires operating a motor vehicle; operating equipment where carelessness could result in injury; standing for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or crawling; using manual dexterity and fine motor skills; and identifying and distinguishing colors and shades of color
• Requires manual labor with significant physical exertion (consistent need to lift, push, pull, carry, etc., over 50 lbs.). May require special safety precautions, such as working around moving parts, machines, or with irritant chemicals, and may require the use of protective clothing or gear 
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders, and/or the public; reading correspondence, instructions, and/or technical documents; writing correspondence and/or reports, and filling in forms

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS

• Job Grade: 6 (Administrative + Park Support)
• Hourly Rate: $24
• FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
• 20 Vacation Days + 12 Paid Sick Days
• 14 Paid Holidays (all eligible to float/carryover)
• Comprehensive Total Rewards package includes: 

 - Medical, Dental, Vision

 - Supplemental Options: Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits, AFLAC & Pet Insurance

 - 403b Contributions + 2% Employer Contributions

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters. We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions. Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment.