SEASONAL FOREST RESTORATION TECHNICIAN

Industry: Not‐for‐Profit – Environmental

Department: Operations

Reports to: Forest Restoration Project Manager

Salary: $21/hr.

Date Posted: January 26, 2026

Start date: April 1, 2026

End Date: October 30, 2026

Schedule: 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday to Friday

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 Forest Restoration Technician is a seasonal, field-based position focused on forest stewardship and restoration in Highbridge Park. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy working outdoors and want to gain practical experience in urban natural area management, restoration, or forestry. The Forest Restoration Technician will assist with planting site preparation, planting, forest stewardship and monitoring in Highbridge Park. This position will directly contribute to the expansion and improvement of New York City’s forest. Additionally, the Forest Restoration Technician will support general park maintenance in Highbridge Park, Sherman Creek and The Harlem River Greenway.

Responsibilities

Forestry/Restoration

• Plant native trees, shrubs, and understory plants in restoration sites.
• Litter and invasive vegetation removal throughout the forests of Northern Highbridge Park.
• Maintain planting sites through watering, weeding, and installing tree protection materials.
• Assist with native propagation and nursery maintenance.
• Conduct monitoring of forest and wetland restoration sites.
• Lead students and volunteers and partner organizations in forest stewardship activities.

Additional Maintenance and Horticulture Duties

• Maintain hardscaping, park amenities, and site infrastructure in Highbridge Park, Sherman Creek Park and the Harlem River Greenway.
• Perform routine groundskeeping, including daily litter removal, graffiti removal, edging, weed and water gardens, path clearing, painting and small repairs.
• Report safety hazards, vandalism, and maintenance needs.
• 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).
• Ability to learn plant identification;
• 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.
• 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, ecology, environmental management or related fieldwork preferred; volunteer, academic, 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