Tree Planter (Seasonal Full-Time)

Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Tree Planter is responsible for working as part of a team to implement high-quality planting of between 20 and 30 large B&B-sized trees each spring in the Park. Start date is April 1st and pay is $20 per hour for 40 hours per week. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

• Prepare planting sites by, clearing and removing debris, digging holes, raking and leveling soil, and installing fencing or caution tape
• Load and unload trees on/off of vehicles safely and as per Supervisor instructions
• Plant and water trees as per instructions from Arborist and Tree Care Technician or other supervisors
• Install mulch, stakes, ties, fence, and commemorative signage after planting
• Operate vehicles (eg, truck, utility vehicle, tractor), power equipment (eg, chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, brush hog, woodchipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools safely
• Work with Alliance staff to undertake basic tree work (e.g., pruning, removal, and clearing of storm damage) safely and effectively with the support of Prospect Park Alliance crews as needed
• Perform measures to support key specimen trees, including decompaction, fencing, mulching, applying fertilization or other soil amendments
• Keep an inventory of tools and equipment and communicate with supervisor about additional tool and equipment needs
• Maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and shared workspaces as per standards set out by supervisor; communicate issues with vehicle, tool, and equipment safety to supervisor as they arise
• Interact with the public to help resolve issues, provide information, and answer general park questions
• Remove hazard and/or mitigate hazardous situations
• Remove litter
• Assist crews from LMO or M&O when necessary for emergencies, special events or special projects

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school Diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of one (1) year landscape management experience including extensive planting of a diverse variety and size of trees in a public park setting preferred
• A valid NYS Driver’s License preferred

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions
• Landscape Management Knowledge: Proficient in plant identification for northeast US region, use of landscape tools, experience with ecological restoration and/or sustainable ecological horticulture. Proper planting and pruning techniques
• Machinery Operation: Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation is essential. The ability to safely operate and maintain various groundskeeping vehicles and equipment including but not limited to infield groomers, utility vehicles, weed whackers and riding and push lawn mowers is required. Ability to successfully procure, store and plant B&B-sized trees
• Health and Safety Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies Manages risk including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation of control measures Manages own safety and that of others
• Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent, responsive and friendly customer service to patrons and park visitors
• Results and Impact Focus: Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and highly motivated to consistently produce high quality work and achieve desired outcomes and results
• Decision Making & Problem Solving: Alerts others to possible problems in a timely fashion. Seeks support to solve problems Offers possible solutions Acts on solutions selected and decisions made as directed
• Self-Management: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-pace environment
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others and being a positive team contributor
• Communication: Superior verbal communication skills with the ability to positively engage with and impart key information to members of the public
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies to support area of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is normally performed in the field which subjects the employee to various external elements including potentially adverse weather conditions and some exposure to moderate risk of accident/injury requiring following basic safety precautions Additionally, involves frequent exposure to challenging elements such as extreme dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc and exposure to potentially hazardous substances, or other significant job environmental risks
• Requires operating a motor vehicle; operating equipment where carelessness could result in injury; standing for extended periods of time; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling and/or crawling; use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills; use of a desktop, laptop or video display terminal and identifying and distinguishing colors and shades of color
• Requires manual labor requiring moderate physical exertion (consistent need to lift, push, pull, carry, etc up to 50 lbs) May require special safety precautions, such as working around moving parts, machines or with irritant chemicals, and may require use of protective clothing or gear
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading basic documents and/or following verbal instructions and filling in forms

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment