Natural Areas Restoration Coordinator

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 Compensation: $25.48-$27.45/per hour

Job: Natural Areas Restoration Coordinator (1)
Department: Natural Areas
Job Type: Year-Round; 40 hours per week; Exempt
Salary Range: $25.48 – $27.45
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package following 60-day introductory period (health insurance, paid time off, etc.)
Work Location: Randall's Island Park, New York, NY 10035

Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, public programs, cultural events, and environmental exploration. The Natural Areas Restoration Coordinator will report directly to the Natural Areas Manager and work with other team members to develop Randall's Island Parks' 20 acres of restored natural areas. The Restoration Coordinator will also assist in developing and overseeing volunteer events and public programming, as needed. This position will require working on-site and consists of approximately 80% outdoor fieldwork and 20% research/administrative work. 

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Work under the oversight of the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programming to develop and implement adaptive on-the-ground strategies for supporting native habitats, including invasive species control, native planting, erosion control, fragmentation, habitat enhancements, and monitoring of natural areas throughout the park to maintain and improve ecological health across habitats, including riparian zones, wetlands, meadows, and woodlands.
  • Lead Natural Areas staff on-the-ground restoration and maintenance efforts, often working independently in the field to complete projects.
  • Collaborate and implement a multi-year restoration program to ensure successful ecological trajectories for the park’s ecosystems.
  • Maintain detailed records of restoration activities, monitoring data, and project outcomes; provide project reports to the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programming.
  • Support grant writing and reporting in collaboration with the Development team to secure funding for restoration and monitoring initiatives.
  • Assist the Natural Areas Manager in leading, training, and educating staff, students, interns and community groups in restoration techniques and safe field practices.
  • Provide GIS services and accurate information for management and reporting.
  • Support and develop public outreach and programming materials to engage a broad audience in Randall’s Island Park's natural resources.
  • Support in developing and implementing a five-year comprehensive natural areas management plan for the park.
  • Occasionally support educational field trips in collaboration with Education Coordinator and Educators
  • Provide technical guidance and support to other RIPA staff members on restoration-related projects. Assisting other departments when needed.
  • Other general tasks as assigned by the Natural Areas Manager or Director of Environmental Programs

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions an employee in this position may be asked to perform occasionally.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • B.A. from an accredited college or university in environmental/natural sciences or related fields and two or more years of experience in ecological restoration and landscape maintenance of native habitats OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) with six (6) years of experience in natural areas restoration landscape maintenance, or related position
  • Experience with and knowledge of ecological restoration and native northeastern ecosystems
  • Experience leading educational/volunteer/community groups and work crews
  • Highly motivated, able to manage and prioritize tasks
  • Experience & ability to safely operate and maintain small hand-held power tools and other field equipment
  • Experience in GIS, environmental monitoring, project tracking, program development, restoration practices, and field research
  • Knowledge of computer basics (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends. (Frequent weekends in season)
  • Experience and willingness to work in all types of weather and under strenuous conditions
  • Ability to shift priorities and focus when needed
  • Motivated and punctual, able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to create and maintain positive working relationships
  • Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal), leadership, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to perform heavy physical labor (able to lift 50 pounds) daily and repetitively
  • Valid Driver License

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

  • A certificate, degree, and/or coursework in ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or related fields
  • Experience operating landscaping equipment, including tractors, chainsaws, and skid steers
  • Experience working in urban settings and public spaces
  • ISA Arborist Certification or eligibility to obtain certification in 12 months of hire
  • Certified NYS pesticide applicator or technician
  • Fluency in Spanish

Contact Information

Randall's Island Park Alliance
Website: Apply Online