Groundskeeper - Central Park NYC

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 Compensation: $38,850 to $44K annually commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Manager-Grounds Management
Department: Landscape Management
Status:  Full-time Non-exempt
About Central Park and the Central Park Conservancy
Central Park is one of the most famous and beloved urban public spaces in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1857, the 843-acre park was the first purpose-built public park in the country and is a National Historic 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 that time, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of approximately $1 billion in the restoration of the Park, and now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

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. Committed to sharing the best practices in urban park management, the Conservancy also serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. The Conservancy employs roughly 325 people and has an operating budget of $80 million.

The Conservancy recently completed a seven-year plan, Central Park Conservancy, A Plan for the Stewardship of Central Park: 2020-2027, which focuses on the ongoing capital investment of the last four decade’s investment of more than $1 billion into Central Park.

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper in the Landscape Management Department provides all manner of care and maintenance of all landscape areas including all hardscapes, perimeter, playgrounds and architectural features within an assigned section.  

Working under the general supervision of the Foreperson, the Groundskeeper is responsible for all aspects of landscape care within an assigned section. It is expected that the Groundskeeper will work within and across their section and with other staff in Landscape Management to perform their primary tasks.

Responsibilities/Duties

Technical Operation:

  • Provide general landscape care and maintenance within an assigned section
  • Care for and maintain all plant beds and their surrounding landscapes, hardscapes, playgrounds and perimeter in assigned section according to an established schedule to organizational standards
  • Mowing, string trimming, irrigation, basic irrigation system maintenance, weeding, mulching, raking, sweeping, pruning, planting and other related duties
  • Opens and cleans playgrounds and ensures all water features are turned on
  • Installs and repairs fence as needed and as directed
  • Support waste management operation by picking up and performing proper disposal of trash in landscapes, paths, perimeter and gardens; empties trash cans as necessary; sweeps around benches, stairs and entryways
  • Maintains athletic fields using appropriate lawn care procedures; groom infields, mounds and other applicable areas
  • Perform snow removal and ice mitigation on paths, entrances, playgrounds, perimeter and other hard surfaces with machines and physical labor to provide appropriate levels of access as per established organizational standards
  • Maintain surface drainage by keeping catch basins free of debris during heavy rain storms and remaining snow and ice in the winter months

Collaboration & Communication:

  • Assist in the preparation of special events as needed
  • Works with volunteers and seasonal interns
  • Cooperate with other staff within the department and other department personnel in completing assigned tasks
  • Displays the necessary initiative and dependability to work alone or in groups
  • Interact with Park patrons and colleagues in a courteous and professional manner

Related Work:

  • Operate various types of equipment including utility vehicle, light or medium weight trucks and tractors
  • Maintain tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair
  • Participates in all training sessions and seminars.
  • Daily reports of malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues
  • Perform related work as assigned  

Qualifications/Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • A four-year high school diploma or equivalent; and
  • Professional work experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance or horticulture
  • Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment

Additional Requirements for Assignment to Groundskeeper II

  • A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance that is equivalent to 5 years’ experience;
  • Demonstrated competency of essential job functions.
  • CPC Internal Candidates - A satisfactory performance evaluation during each year of employment.

Abilities Required

  • Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions

Additional Information

Note:  This position is in-person (not a remote role).
Salary range:  $38,850 to $44K annually commensurate with experience.
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.

Contact Information

Central Park Conservancy
Website: Apply Online