Ecological Restoration Technician
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $21-$23 per hour
The Ecological Restoration Technician works with the Gardener and Horticulture Supervisor to monitor and eradicate invasive plant species, install native plants and seed, and manage current restoration areas. The ERT will also participate in outreach and education about the park and the work of the team. This position is either in Hammock Grove or The Hills, two of the three horticulture zones in the park.
The Trust’s horticulture team is led by the firm belief that anyone can develop meaningful connections to the natural world in an urban setting, understand our shared ecological responsibility, and help combat biodiversity loss. Our team employs a wide range of innovative, experimental methods to restore native habitats with a goal of mitigating the harmful effects of habitat destruction and climate change.
Salary: $21-$23 per hour
Location and Schedule: All positions are located on Governors Island. The position is in-person (five-day work week).
Responsibilities/Duties
- Hammock Grove: Assist with managing a small herd of sheep to control invasive plants in the landscape.
- The Hills: Assist with remote control mowing equipment on steep slopes.
- Maintain Island horticultural assets in assigned zone including planting beds, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines and bulbs.
- Perform work including planting, damage/corrective/structural tree and shrub pruning, cabling and staking, weeding, deadheading, thinning, cutback, hand-watering, raking, mulching, transplanting, composting and soil mixing.
- Monitor irrigation systems in assigned zone.
- Maintain horticulture back-of-house, including care of plants in nursery and maintenance of tools and equipment.
- Manage individual and corporate volunteers in horticultural tasks.
- Interact with park patrons in a professional manner as a representative of Governors Island.
- Remove trash and debris from beds and report any unsafe conditions.
- Other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education: Degree/certificate in horticulture, ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, or related field preferred
Experience: Demonstrated interest and/or experience in horticulture, environmental restoration, field monitoring and/or management of planted areas.
Skills and Abilities:
- The Hills: Ability to work on steep slopes for extended periods of time.
- Hammock Grove: Shepherding experience preferred.
- Ability to identify native and non-native plants, both herbaceous and woody, preferred.
- Experience working with ArcGIS or other mapping software a plus.
- Experience managing a project in a natural site.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds. Has the stamina to perform physical labor (using machinery, lifting, bending, digging, squatting, etc.) in all weather conditions, including heat and cold.
- Experience using power equipment such as mowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and string trimmers.
- Ability to work with people at all levels with an open and engaging personality.
- Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written), organizational and problem-solving skills.
- High level of personal accountability, self-organization, autonomy and discipline.
- Ability to be flexible and make sound professional judgments.
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.
- Valid driver’s license.
Additional Information
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to jobs@govisland.org with “Ecological Restoration Technician” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
The Trust for Governors Island values the importance of inclusion, accessibility and a diverse pool of applicants. The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.
ABOUT THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND
The Trust for Governors Island is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust's mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org
Contact Information
The Trust for Governors Island
Email: jobs@govisland.org