Groundskeeper I or II - Five Borough Program

Central Park Conservancy, Inc.; Street (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Park Conservancy in New York City is seeking a Groundskeeper responsible for all aspects of landscape care outside Central Park. You will work across multiple parks, coordinating with staff and city partners to maintain plant beds, lawn areas, and hardscapes.

The role requires physical stamina and the ability to work early hours and weekends as needed. The position is in-person with a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and delivering high-quality grounds maintenance across diverse

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform heavy physical labor in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provides general landscape care and maintenance within assigned parks.
• Maintains plant beds, landscapes, hardscapes, and perimeters according to schedule and standards.
• Performs mowing, trimming, irrigation, weeding, mulching, pruning, planting, and related duties.
• Installs and repairs fences as needed and supports waste management operations.
• Operates various equipment and maintains tools in good working order.

Skills

Flexible hours

Lifting 50 lbs

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Tractor operation

Irrigation maintenance

Job description

Reports to: Manager - Five Borough ProgramDepartment: Landscape ManagementStatus: Full-time / Non- exemptNote about schedule: The work is sometimes subject to schedule changes - start and end times may fluctuate between 6am or 7am to 230pm or 330pm.About the Park and Central Park ConservancyCentral Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $2 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City. The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $120 million.Position SummaryWorking under the Manager, Assistant Managers, and Forepersons of the Five Borough Program, the Groundskeeper is responsible for all aspects of landscape care and maintenance in selected parks outside of Central Park. The work is at four parks in Harlem, with additional locations across the five boroughs of New York City. It is expected that the Groundskeeper will work within and across the park and with other staff and City staff to perform their primary tasks.Essential DutiesTechnical OperationProvides general landscape care and maintenance within the assigned parks.Cares for and maintains all plant beds and their surrounding landscapes, hardscapes, playgrounds, and perimeter in assigned areas in accordance with the established schedule and organizational standards.Mowing, string trimming, irrigation, basic irrigation system maintenance, weeding, mulching, raking, sweeping, pruning, planting and other related duties.Installs and repairs fence as needed and as directed.Supports waste management operation as needed.Maintains athletic fields using appropriate lawn care procedures, groom infields, mounds and other applicable areas.Performs snow removal and ice mitigation on paths, entrances, playgrounds, perimeter and other hard surfaces with machines and physical labor to provide appropriate levels of access as per established organizational standards.Maintains surface drainage by keeping catch basins free of debris during heavy rainstorms and remaining snow and ice in the winter months.Operates various types of equipment including utility vehicles and tractor.Maintains tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repairDaily reports of malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues.Executes other duties as required, such as, possible assignment of driving light or medium weight truck and trailer through New York City streets.Internal & External CollaborationAssists in the preparation of special events as needed.Works alongside and maintains positive relationships with Parks Staff.Works with volunteers and seasonal interns.Cooperates with other staff within the department in completing assigned tasks.Displays the necessary initiative and dependability to work alone or in groups.Interacts with Park patrons and colleagues in a courteous and professional manner.Participates in required organizational training sessions and seminars.Minimum RequirementsA four-year high school diploma or equivalent combination of skills and experience.Professional work experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance or horticulture.Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment.Additional Requirements for Assignment to Groundskeeper IIA satisfactory combination of education and/or experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance that is equivalent to 5 years’ experience.Demonstrated competency of essential job functions.CPC internal candidates - A satisfactory performance evaluation during each year of employment.Abilities RequiredAbility to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends and holidays as needed. The work is sometimes subject to schedule changes - start and end times may fluctuate between 6am or 7am to 230pm or 330pm.Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions.Salary ranges (based on level of experience):Groundskeeper I: $44,500 - $52,500Groundskeeper II: $48,000 - $59,800 * This position is also eligible for an additional daily rate.*This position is in-person (not a remote role).Diversity, Equity, & InclusionThe Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all.Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the park.In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.Safety RequirementsEstablishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and follow federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, the employee should alert other employees and notify their supervisor immediately.DisclaimerThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.