Park Outreach Associate

Park Outreach Associate (Part Time/Seasonal)

From 59th Street to 181st Street, from riverfront to city-side, the Riverside Park Conservancy works in partnership with the City of New York to maintain and improve Riverside Park for the enjoyment and benefit of all New Yorkers. We support the preservation of the park’s historic landscape, structures, and monuments, engage the community in active stewardship of the park, and provide a wide range of public programs.

Position Summary

Riverside Park Conservancy is seeking an enthusiastic and outgoing individual for this new part-time, seasonal role based in our new solar-powered, grid-independent, eco-friendly Information Center, located on the Hudson River Greenway at 96th Street. The Associate will serve a key role in developing the Conservancy’s new visitor services and educational outreach program. This role is ideal for individuals interested in exploring careers in non-profit, parks, or visitor services.

Under the guidance of the Director of Public Programming and the Sustainability Coordinator, the associate will be a welcoming presence in the park – providing visitor information, promoting Conservancy programming and volunteer opportunities, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the new Center.

Duration: 4 - 5 months, Flexible Start Date (June – October 31, 2025), 20 hours per week, primarily evenings and weekends.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Greet and provide information about Riverside Park to visitors, including but not limited to directions, events, attractions, amenities, and installations.
• Introduce visitors to the Conservancy’s new eco-friendly Information Center.
• Share information and engage park users in learning about the park's flora, fauna, and historical monuments.
• Promote the Conservancy’s free public programming, environmental initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
• Distribute printed and digital educational and outreach materials.
• Ensure that visitors understand the park's rules and regulations.
• Administer merchandise sales using Square Point of Sale (hats, t-shirts, and other souvenirs).
• Maintain an inventory of equipment, merchandise, and materials.
• Maintain interpretive signage and other informational materials; assist in the development of new materials as needed.
• Conduct Park usage surveys with the public.
• Set up and break down various equipment, including folding tables and pop-up tents.
• Perform light administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Relevant experience in community outreach/engagement, or in a customer service capacity at a community center, arts facility, or public park setting.

Skills/Abilities

• A passion for parks and the mission of Riverside Park Conservancy.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills both internally and in public settings.
• Outgoing, friendly, and enthusiastic demeanor
• Comfortable speaking with a wide range of visitors.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Square Point of Sale
• A strong interest in the environment, environmental education, and conservation a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, focused on evenings and weekends, when the Park is busiest.
• Candidate must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able and willing to be speak to members of the public for much of work shift.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds with proper equipment