FORESTRY AND GROUNDS TECHNICIAN

NYRP is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively 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. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, and resources that each community member brings to our work. We are committed to creating a greener, more resilient city for all.

Position Summary

The Forestry and Grounds Technician is a field-based position that supports the ecological health, safety, and appearance of Northern Manhattan parks under the direction of the Deputy Director of Northern Parks. The Technician delivers daily maintenance, arboriculture, and forest restoration work to ensure that NYRP parks are safe and welcoming.

Responsibilities

Forestry and Natural Area Stewardship

• • Assist with tree care, including pruning support, invasive species removal, and forest restoration projects as directed by the Deputy Director of Northern Manhattan Parks.
  • Install and maintain garden and forest restoration plantings, including native trees, shrubs, and understory species.
  • Support trail building and maintenance, including surfacing, drainage improvements, and erosion control installations.
  • Help manage invasive plant species to improve forest structure and ecological health.
  • Conduct basic field inspections and promptly report tree or forest hazards, downed limbs, or unsafe conditions to supervisory staff.

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, Public Interaction, and Operations

• • Work closely with the Forestry and Grounds Supervisor and other NYRP and NYC Parks Department staff to complete daily and seasonal work plans.
  • Assist in leading and supporting volunteers during forest stewardship, planting days, and community events in Northern Manhattan parks.​
  • Support operations at Swindler Cove, including park 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 perform physically demanding outdoor work in all seasons, including lifting 50+ lbs regularly and working on steep slopes and uneven terrain.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills; reliability and attention to safety are essential.
  • Valid driver’s license required; ability to drive NYRP vehicles between sites preferred.
  • Comfortable operating common landscape and forestry power tools such as weed whackers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience in forestry, horticulture, landscaping, environmental management, or related outdoor 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 New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds.

paid time off

health and dental insurance

LTD and life insurance

English and conversational Spanish preferred