Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in park or recreation management, public administration, business administration, engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, forestry, environmental studies, environmental, natural or physical science, or a closely related field AND EITHER four (4) years of experience with a large and well-organized park and recreation system OR four (4) years of administrative experience which includes responsibility for organizing and directing a major program or group of programs. The experience described above must include at least two (2) years of professional ecology experience (** described in further detail below). At least one (1) year of the four years of experience must be at a supervisory level. A combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

** Examples of ecology experience are as follows: make recommendations based on evaluations of ecological conditions; prepare original writing of complex scientific and technical information; prepare regulatory and management documents; conduct and coordinate the review and evaluation of impact assessments for chemical and physical disturbances to established grassland and forest ecosystems, as well as fish and wildlife habitat; recommend permit conditions, restoration actions or other mitigation solutions; assess natural resources conditions; conduct field investigations to compile information pertaining to resource impacts of various projects; identify mitigation action plans and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation; monitor environmental conditions for the protection of established native ecosystems, as well as fish and wildlife habitats; conduct risk assessments to quantify the effects of contaminants on fish and wildlife and develops procedures, guidance, standards and criteria to protect fish and wildlife in their habitats.

Duties Description

Shirley Chisholm State Park is the newest and largest park in the New York City Region. Named for Shirley Chisholm, the Brooklyn-born trailblazer who was the first African-American Congresswoman, as well as the first woman and African-American to run for President.

Under the general direction of the Park Director 3, M-3, the Park Director 1 (Environmental) directs and supervises Maintenance Supervisors and other supervisory and administrative staff in matters of park maintenance, environmental education and park operations. The incumbent is responsible for the operation and management of the park, which is situated on 407 acres of reclaimed land previously used as a landfill. Other duties include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for all day to day operations and programming;

• Routinely inspect park to determine the quality of program operations;

• Engage in problem solving related to improvement, expansion, and development of park operations;

• Implement maintenance standards for park facilities and equipment;

• Monitors park for environmental issues and concerns related to landfill infrastructure, operations, and closure protocols;

• Direct the maintenance and repair of park facilities, equipment, roads, and grounds and determines maintenance and program priorities based on program needs and costs;

• Ensures appropriate resources, such as staff, materials, and equipment are available;

• Directs and/or conducts environmental monitoring activities and produces all required reports documenting environmental conditions;

• Collaborates with the Park Director 3 and the Environmental Stewardship and Planning Division regarding any notable environmental findings or concerns regarding the park;

• Assist the Park Director 3 with public relations programs, such as promoting park programs and events, speaking before community groups, and investigating and replying to complaints and taking corrective action;

• Advise Park Director 3 and Region’s capital team in planning for park construction, rehabilitation, expansion, and development projects.

Additional Comments Operational Needs:

– Must be knowledgeable in ecological principles and land stewardship practices related to forest and field habitat restoration, living shoreline restoration, management and landscape architecture and knowledge of landfill infrastructure, operating plans and closure/remediation plans and procedures;

– Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with a variety of constituents, including partner agencies, friends groups, donors, volunteers, researchers, contractors and park patrons;

– Must demonstrate knowledge of road and pathway maintenance, particularly gravel, and have extensive experience solving drainage, tree and seasonal issues;

– Possess demonstrated trash/waste management experience;

– Possess demonstrated experience effectively managing budgets and financial oversight;

– Possess the ability to effectively communicate with staff, park patrons and Regional Administrators; comprehend written material, easily and effectively communicate in writing, and prepare effective written materials or reports as directed;

– Knowledgeable about the ecology and natural resources of the Northeastern US; have experience managing invasive species and favoring native biodiversity;

– Must have demonstrated experience effectively coordinating teams and supervising employees;

– Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as a term and condition of employment

– Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Notes on Applying

It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience, and demonstrate that they meet the agency’s operating needs. You may obtain an Employment Application from your local park office, the New York City region’s administrative headquarters, or download an application from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at https://parks.ny.gov/employment/park-employment.aspx . Please forward your application and resume, if available, to: Albany.Employment@parks.ny.gov or mail to Lynne Harting, NYS OPRHP, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12238. If you have any questions concerning the position, please contact Scott Matson at (212) 866-3100.

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