Job Title: Stuyvesant Cove Park Maintenance Technician/Groundskeeper
Type: Part Time, In Person (potential for full time in the future)
Start: late March/early April 2022
About Solar One
Solar One is a 501c(3) organization that empowers communities in the New York City metro area to thrive in the face of the challenges brought on by climate change, and to embrace a world that is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
Originally founded in 2004 to manage Stuyvesant Cove Park, a two-acre native plant park and a small environmental education center, Solar One has grown into an award-winning organization with a thriving array of programs. Solar One's mission is to design and deliver innovative education, training, and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments. We empower learning that changes the way people think about energy, sustainability, and resilience by engaging and educating a diverse set of stakeholders and beneficiaries.
We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about sustainable and inclusive community development, driven to use their talents to advance real change, through our focus areas including: K-12 Education, Green Job Training, Solar Energy technical assistance, and Stuyvesant Cove Park.
Job Summary
The Groundskeeper/Maintenance Technician will oversee and address the quality of life issues within Stuyvesant Cove Park, a 2 acre native forest in Lower Manhattan. This includes trash and waste disposal, general housekeeping, hardscaping maintenance, and tool upkeep and repair. Seasonal tasks include power washing and snow shoveling of stone pathways, graffiti and litter removal, plant pruning and mulching, supply inventory and reorders, stonework and handrail repairs, and other general "handy work" as needed. This position will begin part time at 10-20 hours a week, with the potential to expand to full time over the next 18 months. All work is in-person at our site along the East River, surrounded by the dynamic and diverse community of the Lower East Side. Solar One's work in Stuy Cove Park promotes an intentional and reciprocal relationship between city dwellers and the urban environment through educational food and climate justice programming for audiences of all ages.
The Park Technician/Groundskeeper is generally responsible for the daily upkeep of the space's hardscaping while also addressing any ongoing quality of life issues that may arise. This includes trash and waste disposal, general housekeeping, hardscaping maintenance, and tool upkeep and repair. Seasonal tasks include power washing and snow shoveling of stone pathways, graffiti and litter removal, plant pruning and mulching, supply inventory and reorders, stonework and handrail repairs, and other general "handy work" as needed. They will work alongside the Park Manager and Park Director as well as seasonal gardening staff, volunteers, interns and the general public. Working hours are generally within Monday and Friday, 10-6, with some flexibility on scheduling and the ability/requirement to work weekends, as needed.
This is a public facing job, and interaction with park goers, volunteers, and the larger LES community is part of the work day. Potential applicants should be personable, open minded, and able to communicate clearly and promptly. Foreign language and de-escalation skills, experience working with at-risk communities, and a passion for climate mitigation a plus.
Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is a requirement for this position.
Qualifications and Skills
At Solar One, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career providing a rewarding opportunity to service the community. Successful candidates for this role should be able to demonstrate the following:
Technical Skills
● Waste management strategies and best practices
● General housekeeping skills for offices and public spaces
● General carpentry skills
● Ability to use a computer to order supplies, document repairs and ongoing maintenance issues (google drive, excel)
● Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outside all year round.
● Basic pruning and gardening skills a plus, but not required
Soft Skills
● Prompt and open communication (written and/or verbal)
● Punctuality
● Reliability
● Ability to take initiative
● Time Management
● Attention to detail
● Adaptability
Subject Area Expertise Required
● Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
● 3-6 months previous janitorial/maintenance experience preferred
● Experience working outdoors year round preferred.
● OSHA Outreach training preferred.
Pay and Benefits
This position is currently Part Time
Payng $22-$25/hour
Solar One is an equal opportunity employer. Solar One strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of renewable energy and resilience and people in a rapidly changing world. Solar One recruits and employs through a lens of equity and encourages people of all races, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law to apply.