Groundskeeper I

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 $1.5 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.

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.

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

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

Minimum Requirements:

1. A four-year high school diploma or equivalent; and

2. Professional work experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance or horticulture

3. Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for duration of employment

Additional Qualifications for Assignment to Groundskeeper II:

1. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience in landscaping, park maintenance, turf maintenance or horticulture that is equivalent to 3 years of continued increase in responsibility in landscape maintenance

2. Proficient understanding and working knowledge of landscape maintenance; mowing, string trimming, irrigation, weeding, snow and ice mitigation.

3. Ability to maintain landscape zone with significant independence through all seasons with limited degree of supervision

4. Ability to identify ornamental and native plant material specific to the northeast US

5. CPC Internal Candidates a. Demonstrated full proficiency of essential job duties b. Satisfactory performance evaluation

Salary ranges (based on level of experience):

Groundskeeper I: $42,000 – $51,000

Groundskeeper II: $48,000 – $58,000

Note: This position is in-person (not a remote role).

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.