Central 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 $1.5 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 $100 million.

Position Summary

Working under the Foreperson(s) 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 Duties

Technical Operation

Provides 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 vehicle and tractor.
Maintains tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair
Daily 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 Collaboration

Assists 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 Requirements

A 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 II

A 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 Required

Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions.

Salary range: $42K – 51K (based on level of experience)

This role is also eligible for an additional daily rate.

Note: This is an on-site position.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

The 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 Requirements

Establishment 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 be in compliance with 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, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer

The 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

Reports to: Manager – Five Borough Program

Department: Landscape Management

Status: Full time, Nonexempt

About the Central Park Conservancy