SEASONAL PARKS ASSISTANT

Industry: Not-for-Profit – Environmental

Department: Operations

Reports to: Deputy Director, Northern Manhattan Parks

Salary: $21/hour

Date Posted: January 26, 2026

Start Date: April 1, 2026

End Date: October 29, 2026

Schedule: 7:00 am-3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday

Reporting Location: Sherman Creek Center, 3725 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10034

Classification: Non-Exempt

NYRP is a non-profit organization that works with residents in communities across the five boroughs to renovate gardens, restore parks, plant trees, promote urban agriculture, and build partnerships that transform the city’s landscape. NYRP values the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings and is committed to creating a greener, more resilient city for all.

The Seasonal Parks Assistant is a field-based position that cares for parks and natural areas in Northern Manhattan. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy working outdoors and want to gain experience in environmental work, forestry, gardening, landscaping, and park maintenance. Under the direction of the Deputy Director, Northern Manhattan Parks, the Assistant supports daily maintenance, basic tree and plant care, and public-facing operations to keep NYRP parks clean, safe, and welcoming.

Responsibilities

Forestry/Natural Area and Gardening Support

• Assist with planting and maintenance of native trees, shrubs, and understory species in restoration sites
• Conduct invasive species removal using hand tools like loppers, pruning shears, and handsaws.
• Support trail building and maintenance, including surfacing, drainage improvements, and erosion control.
• General garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, and mulching.

Grounds and Facilities Maintenance

• Maintain hardscaping, park amenities, and site infrastructure in Highbridge Park, Sherman Creek and the Harlem River Greenway.
• Perform routine groundskeeping, including daily litter removal, graffiti removal, edging, weeding and water gardens, path clearing, painting and small repairs.
• Report safety hazards, vandalism, and maintenance needs.

Teamwork, Volunteers, and Public Interaction

• Work closely with the Deputy Director, Northern Manhattan Parks to complete daily and seasonal work plans.
• Support volunteer days by helping set up materials, demonstrating common tasks, and working alongside community members.
• Support operations at Swindler Cove, including park opening/closing procedures, basic site checks, and courteous interaction with park visitors during weekend and late shifts.
• Contribute to citywide greening initiatives, including tree planting, natural area management projects, and occasional cross-borough assignments.

Job requirements

• Ability to do physically demanding outdoor work (lifting up to 50 lbs, working on slopes/uneven terrain).
• Reliability: showing up on time, following schedules, and completing assigned tasks safely.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, light rain) with proper gear.
• Basic teamwork and communication skills to work well with a small crew or independently under the direction of the Deputy Director, Northern Manhattan Parks.
• Attention to safety, including following instructions on tools, equipment, and site protocols.
• Comfort interacting courteously with the public and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in forestry, horticulture, landscaping, environmental management or related fieldwork preferred; volunteer or seasonal experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of or interest in learning native and invasive plant identification and urban forest restoration practices.
• Conversational Spanish
• Comfort interacting with people of diverse backgrounds.

health and dental benefits, paid sick time off

English

Conversational Spanish preferred