Seasonal Field Assistant

Van Cortlandt Park seeks a Seasonal Field Assistant to assist with maintenance efforts within the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park.

The Seasonal Field Assistant is responsible for assisting in carrying out a series of forest, trail, and pond management projects, as well as help with volunteer programming. Van Cortlandt Park contains roughly 640 acres of land protected under New York City’s Forever Wild Program. This section of the park consists of mixed-deciduous forests, small upland meadows, vernal pools, forest streams, a pond, and more! It is a home or refuge for a biodiverse community of flora and fauna. It is also home to many trails including a world renowned Cross Country Course. 

Alongside New York City Parks, the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is dedicated to managing the natural areas and trails of Van Cortlandt Park to promote the health of this important ecosystem for future generations.

Reporting to the Seasonal Field Crew Leader and Deputy Director, they will work closely with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and NYC Parks staff to collaborate on maintenance efforts throughout the park.

Detailed Tasks:

• Remove non-indigenous plant species from within the Van Cortlandt Park forest in efforts to maintain the health of the forest.
• Close desire lines within the forest in an effort to reduce forest fragmentation.
• Maintain Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond through the removal of water chestnut (Trapa natans) and other invasive aquatic species with the assistance of volunteers and high school interns.
• Correct worn and eroded sections of the historic cross country running course and surrounding areas.
• General track and course maintenance including: raking, trash removal, fence repair and installation, pruning, weeding, and painting.
• Daily inspections, in season, of complete Cross Country Course for hazards.

Preferred Academic or Experience Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of invasive species management, local habitats, flora, and fauna;
• Willing to do physically demanding work in inclement weather and wet conditions;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communication skills;
• Motivated and punctual;
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team;

• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination;
• NYS Drivers License (a plus), and;
• Experience in environmental education and outreach to community and school groups (a plus).

Position: 

• May 16, 2023 - December 1, 2023
• 28 hours per week
• Tuesday-Friday and occasional Saturdays

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Reports to: Deputy Director

Send cover letter, resume and 3 references to christina@vancortlandt.org. 

Applicants will be interviewed until the position is filled.

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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 

Preserves, supports, and promotes the recreational, ecological, and historical value of 

Van Cortlandt Park. The organization raises funds to support the park, oversees 2,000+ volunteers per year, educates over 1,000 students, and provides cultural and environmental programming for the public, encouraging them to become stewards of their beloved green resource in the Bronx. 

Please support our work – sign up to volunteer or donate today! 

For more information, visit vancortlandt.org.