Seasonal Natural Areas Field Technician & Educator

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: 24.20

Job:  Seasonal Natural Areas Field Technician & Educator (2)
Department: Natural Areas
Job Type: Seasonal; 40 hours per week; weekends required; overtime when required; Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $24.20/hour (First Year)
Duration: March 10, 2025 – November 22, 2025
Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, free parking on site, etc. 
Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

The Seasonal Natural Areas Field Technician & Educator will report to the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs, taking occasional direction from the year-round Restoration Coordinator. The Seasonal Natural Areas Field Technician & Educator will help program and maintain Randall’s Island Park’s natural areas, including wetlands, forests, meadows, and other ecologically significant features. The Seasonal Natural Areas Field Technician & Educator will be required to work on-site, primarily outdoors and on some weekends.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Work with the Natural Areas Manager, Restoration Coordinator and other members of the Natural Areas team to plant, cultivate, and maintain native wetland grasses, shrubs, and trees located within restored natural areas, including wetlands forests and meadows. Primary responsibility will be identifying, controlling, and removing invasive plant species from the site. 
  • Lead environmental education programs for K-12 schools, including in-class sessions and hosting students on the island for field trips. 
  • Assist in training and educating volunteers, school children, young adults, and community groups during stewardship and educational events at the restoration sites, including large events and weekend programs.
  • Assist with environmental monitoring, including water quality, wildlife, and vegetation.\
  • Assist and support departments across RIPA when needed. 
  • Support the Communications department by providing content for social media posts about RIPA’s natural areas when needed. 
  • Maintain ongoing communication with the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs.
  • Other general tasks as assigned.

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

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Minimum of one year of experience in landscape maintenance. 
  • Knowledge of local habitats, flora, and fauna with experience in identifying common native and invasive plants.
  • Experience with education, environmental monitoring and/or outreach to community and school groups.
  • Ability to operate small hand-held power tools and landscape equipment.
  • Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness throughout the park.
  • Ability to articulate and advocate for RIPA’s mission.
  • Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships.
  • Ability to work overtime and weekends (some weekends required - at least 1-2 times per month).
  • Ability to shift priorities and focus when needed.
  • Motivated and punctual, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Willing to work in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
  • Ability to perform heavy physical labor (able to lift 50 pounds) daily.


PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

  • A certificate, college degree, and/or coursework in Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Science/Studies, or a related field.
  • Experience working with and leading volunteers.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of computer basics (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Valid Driver License.
  • Fluent in Spanish. 

Contact Information

Randall's Island Park Alliance
Website: Apply Online