Foreperson - Five Borough Program

Reports to: Manager – Five Borough Program

Department:  Five Borough Program

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Note about schedule: The work is sometimes subject to schedule changes - start and end times may fluctuate between 6am or 7am to 230pm or 330pm.

About the Central Park Conservancy

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $1.6 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City.  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. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $120 million.

The Position:

Working under the Manager and Assistant Manager(s) of the Five Borough Program, the Foreperson is responsible for working alongside and providing daily direction of staff, ensuring all work meets acceptable organizational practices at selected parks outside of Central Park. The work is at four parks in Harlem, with additional locations across the five boroughs of New York City. The Foreperson is expected to work with NYC Parks to perform their primary tasks. 

Essential Duties

Responsibilities

• Works alongside and provides direction to Groundskeepers
• Monitors staff engagement, productivity, safety, compliance of organizational standards, and status of work assignments.
• Provides technical assistance to Groundskeepers and collaborates with NYC Parks staff engaged in daily landscape maintenance tasks and in the proper use and care of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Ensures all work is in accordance with the established work plan.
• Reports daily on work and training completed.
• Performs mowing, string trimming, watering, weeding, seeding, raking, sweeping, fence installation and repair, and other related duties as assigned including maintaining turf grass areas and athletic fields
• Reports and collaborates on park sanitation, including removal of trash from designated sites. Ensures that waste material is taken to the proper location.
• Supervises the snow removal program and perform duties of snow removal, with machines and physical labor.
• Maintains tools and equipment in good working order and report items that require repair.
• Operates various types of equipment including light or medium weight trucks, wide area mowers and tractors.
• Navigates New York City streets with light or medium weight truck and trailer. Ensures that staff are safely operating trucks and trailers.
• Performs related work as assigned. 

Internal & External Collaboration

• Assists in the coordination of projects, planning, and educational opportunities to achieve set work plan goals.
• Collaborates with NYC Parks staff and other personnel in completing assigned tasks.
• Assists in the preparation of special events as needed.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with Parks Department staff.  
• Reports on malfunctioning infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of life issues through computer-based work order system.
• Interacts with Park patrons in a professional manner.

Minimum Requirements

Three years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance work in the field of Landscape Management; or Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above.

However, all candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate with others.

Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment. Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of urban park landscape maintenance using modern practices.

Associate’s degree from accredited college in a related field, or equivalent combination of skills and experience.

Abilities Required

Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.

Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects and problem solving.

Possess a fundamental understanding and knowledge of landscape management; ornamental and native plant material, cyclical care including planting, pruning, weed management and health care issues.

Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends and holidays as needed. The work is sometimes subject to schedule changes - start and end times may fluctuate between 6am or 7am to 230pm or 330pm.

Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis in all weather conditions.

Salary range: $56,000 - $72,000 (based on level of experience)

* This role is also eligible for an additional daily rate.

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.

Safety Requirements

Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations.  Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities.  Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.).  If an employee discovers a potential dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.