Central Park Ranger

Reports to:     Manager of The Central Park Ranger Corps

Department: Community Relations

Status:             Full-Time/Non-Exempt

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. 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 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 $100 million.

The Position

The Central Park Ranger provides support to Conservancy staff by monitoring and assisting in all aspects of Park use by visitors and concessionaires, and through establishing cooperative relationships with Park users. This role ensures compliance with Park policies and practices and works closely with user groups and surrounding communities to motivate Park stewardship. This position collaborates with field staff across Operations as well as with City agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Parks and Recreation, New York Police Department, and Emergency Services.

Essential Duties

• Assist in developing and implementing management plans for safe and appropriate Park use.
• Provide daily support to field staff managing Park use; address and resolve space-use conflicts.
• Respond to emergency situations as they occur in the park.
• Cultivate and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with the public and surrounding communities.
• Communicate with ease and diplomacy across all staff levels and with park patrons.
• Specialize in all matters, policies, and procedures of NYC Park Rules and Regulation; educate Park visitors about proper use of landscapes and park features.
• Track and compile Park use statistics.
• Addresses ongoing homeless activities and reports to other agencies and organizations.
• Review permit applications; maintain data and maps necessary to organize permitted activities
• Conduct regular site visits to permitted event areas and landscapes.
• Provide a security presence at CPC events, facilities, and programs as assigned
• Demonstrate knowledge of Central Park’s history and landmarks and share information with Park patrons, contractors, and vendors.
• Conduct check-ins at Conservancy visitor centers and public programs.
• Attend park operations meetings and external agency meetings as necessary.
• Participate in community relations outreach and stewardship programs and campaigns.
• Report on all issues and concerns related to in-park concessions.
• Although not part of day-to-day tasks, the Central Park Ranger may be called upon to perform other operations tasks as needed and/or required by the department or organization.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college in a related field;
• 1-3 years of experience working with the public, Park Operations, or a field related to community relations.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to #1 above. However, all candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate with others.
• Excellent organizational, planning, time management, and communication skills.
• Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for the duration of employment.

 Abilities

• 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 solving problems.
• Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications; proficiency in Word and Outlook
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to make critical decisions and manage emergency situations.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions year-round.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and to perform heavy physical labor.

Salary range:  $56K to $72K (based on level of 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