The Ecological Restoration Technician works with the Gardener and Horticulture Supervisor to monitor and eradicate invasive plant species, install native plants and seed, and manage current restoration areas. The ERT will also participate in outreach and education about the park and the work of the team. This position is either in Hammock Grove or The Hills, two of the three horticulture zones in the park.
The Trust’s horticulture team is led by the firm belief that anyone can develop meaningful connections to the natural world in an urban setting, understand our shared ecological responsibility, and help combat biodiversity loss. Our team employs a wide range of innovative, experimental methods to restore native habitats with a goal of mitigating the harmful effects of habitat destruction and climate change.
Responsibilities include:
Hammock Grove: Assist with managing a small herd of sheep to control invasive plants in the landscape.
The Hills: Assist with remote control mowing equipment on steep slopes.
Maintain Island horticultural assets in assigned zone including planting beds, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines and bulbs.
Perform work including planting, damage/corrective/structural tree and shrub pruning, cabling and staking, weeding, deadheading, thinning, cutback, hand-watering, raking, mulching, transplanting, composting and soil mixing.
Monitor irrigation systems in assigned zone.
Maintain horticulture back-of-house, including care of plants in nursery and maintenance of tools and equipment.
Manage individual and corporate volunteers in horticultural tasks.
Interact with park patrons in a professional manner as a representative of Governors Island.
Remove trash and debris from beds and report any unsafe conditions.
Other duties as assigned.