Community Associate

DEPT OF PARKS & RECREATION; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New York Parks & Recreation seeks a Community Associate to support Prospect Park’s Volunteer Department, coordinating outdoor events and volunteer activities. The role includes leading vegetation removals, plantings, trail maintenance, and coordinating logistics with community groups.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 3 years in community work, and strong written and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or related duties.
• Experience coordinating volunteers and community groups is preferred.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support outdoor volunteer events in natural areas, lead vegetation removals and beautification projects across four seasons.
• Work with the community to encourage participation in group volunteer activities.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance, repairs and inspections for department vehicles.
• Serve as liaison between community organizations and park divisions; assist with orientation and training of staff and volunteers.
• Prepare surveys and reports; maintain databases and track inventory.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Outdoor event planning

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Word & Excel

Driver license (NY)

Flex schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Prospect Park’s Volunteer Department works with 3,000 volunteers who give 20,000 hours annually. The Volunteer Department hosts ongoing weekday and weekend landscaping and maintenance events and coordinates volunteer events with individuals, community, corporate, youth and school groups. In addition to pitching in with outdoor projects, volunteers assist with educational and service-learning programs, annual special events, volunteer recognition events, program development and administrative work. The Volunteer Dept cultivates community stewardship and public awareness of Prospect Park.

Major Responsibilities

• Under general direction, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, support outdoor volunteer events in natural areas, volunteer workshops and other service projects. Support volunteers and staff by leading vegetation removals, native vegetation plantings, trail maintenance, park clean-ups and other beautification projects throughout Prospect Park throughout four seasons.
• Work with the community to encourage participation in group volunteer activities.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance, repairs and inspections for department vehicles.
• Provide and improve community services by performing liaison functions between community organizations and groups and various park divisions including operations.
• Assist with the orientation and training of subordinate personnel and volunteers, with special emphasis on customer service and public service components. Act as a team leader.
• Prepare, distribute and conduct surveys and reports; maintain and manage databases and ensure completion in a timely manner.
• Track equipment and maintain accurate records of inventory.

Work Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee between $40.00 to $101.00 based on the salary range of title. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with natural environment, horticulture outdoor event planning, or working with volunteers.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for sustained periods of time and walk up to 3 miles on varied surfaces with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Professional, positive attitude and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Valid New York State driver license.

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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

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 within 90 days of hire 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.