Parkwide Volunteer Coordinator

Reports to:     Manager, Volunteer Programs  

Department:  Volunteer Administration 

Status:             Full time, Nonexempt 

About Central Park and the Central Park Conservancy 

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. 

The Position:

The Park-wide Volunteer Coordinator will plan and execute volunteer projects of 25 or more in all areas of the Park. Serving as a critical team member in executing our Day in the Dirt, Teen, and Family volunteer programs, the Volunteer Coordinator will work across departments collaborating with our Landscape Management Volunteer Coordinators to complete work. This position will serve on a rotational basis alongside Landscape Management Volunteer Coordinators in different areas of the Park.

Essential Duties 

• Works with the Manager, Volunteer Programs and the Landscape Management leadership team to identify projects and sites appropriate for volunteer groups. 
• Coordinate, schedule, plan and implement all projects that involve individuals who are volunteering time. This includes but is not limited to adult, family, teen, school and corporate groups. 
• Provides hands on site supervision to volunteers on activities such as weeding, sweeping, raking, planting, pruning and mulching. 
• Works alongside volunteers and provides instruction to and guides in the proper techniques of landscape management and in the proper use and care of tools, equipment and materials 
• Monitor and ensure volunteer engagement, productivity, compliance and status of work assignments 
• Provides project support to Landscape Management Volunteer Coordinators on a rotational basis
• Keep simple records and make written reports including regular tracking of volunteer hours and attendance and any other required reports needed by the Volunteer Department 
• Provides necessary coverage for the Landscape Management Coordinators when on leave
• Ensures all work is in accordance with established annual work plan
• Inspects and ensures all work is performed to meet organizational standards of methods and practices, safety and other established requirements 
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair; ensures volunteers have appropriate uniforms 
• Operate various types of equipment including utility vehicles and light or medium weight trucks

Collaboration 

• Cooperate with other staff within the department and other department personnel in completing assigned tasks 
• Assist in the preparation of special events as needed 
• Interact with Park patrons in a professional manner 
• Daily reports of malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues 
• Perform related work as assigned 

Qualifications 

1. Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college in a related field; 3 years of increasingly responsible experience; demonstrated ability to work well and collaborate with others; or 
2. Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above. However all candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate with others 
3. A valid Drivers’ License must be maintained throughout the duration of employment
4. Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of volunteer management. 
5. Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of landscape maintenance; ornamental and native plant material cyclical care including planting, pruning, weeding, and removals 
6. Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content 
7. Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects and problem solve 
8. Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications 
9. Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays as part of regularly scheduled shifts. This position is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday weekly. 
10. Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions.

Salary range: $65K-81K (based on level of experience)

 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 potential 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