Preservation Technician I – Central Park, NY

Reports to: Manager – Conservation

Department: Preservation

Status: Full-time , Non-Exempt

About the Central Park Conservancy:

Central Park is one of the world’s most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country’s first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $1.5 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City. The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $100 million.

The Position:

Preservation Technicians in the Park Infrastructure Department focus on the applied preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the Park’s historic architectural and decorative features including bridges and arches, display fountains, pergolas, benches, decks, fences and railings, and other decorative objects. Work collaboratively with other members of the Preservation and Conservation departments on specialized projects requiring masonry, carpentry, metalwork, cleaning, and coatings application under the supervision of a Foreperson and Assistant Manager.

Essential Duties:

• Participate in the preservation, construction, repair, and maintenance of wooden structures including rustic woodwork, fine woodwork, deck replacement, patching, sanding, cleaning, and coatings applications.
• Participate in the preservation, repair, and maintenance of metal structures, including welding, chasing, patching, patinating, molding, casting, cleaning, and coatings applications.
• Participate in the preservation, repair, and maintenance of historic masonry structures, including mortar pointing, patching, sealing, stone stabilization, stone carving, molding, casting, cleaning, and stain or graffiti removal.
• Perform specialized graffiti and stain removal from park structures and surfaces including use of appropriate chemicals and pressure washing techniques in a way that does not compromise surfaces.
• Perform display fountain maintenance, including system monitoring, cleaning and waterproofing.
• Provide timely response to daily work orders, document progress via consistent reporting, and complete projects in an efficient manner using a mobile and computer-based work order system.
• Safely operate tools and equipment in compliance with all federal OSHA, state, and local safety requirements, including, but not limited to park vehicles, specialized equipment, small power equipment (chainsaws, generators, welders, mixers, drills, saws, torches, pumps, etc.) and hand tools (wrenches, hammers, floats, etc.) with the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain and safeguard a proper inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized worksite using established protocols for location and activity.
• Provide positive customer service to park visitors and park staff including answering questions and conveying park information.
• Perform other duties as required in the scope of the job and as designated by Preservation and Infrastructure management.

Participate in seasonal maintenance activities including snow removal.

Minimum Requirements :

• A four-year high school diploma or equivalent; and
• Professional experience or applied training in one of the related preservation trades, including carpentry, masonry, metalworking, painting, modeling, carving, or mold-making.
• Technically proficient hand skills and a rigorous attention to detail.
• Respect and appreciation for the fundamental value of historical landscapes, structures, and objects.
• Effective communication skills and basic computer knowledge.
• Valid State Issued Driver License that must be maintained for duration of employment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform heavy physical labor daily in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Ability to work safely at heights, using a ladder or aerial lift.

Note: This is an on-site position.

Salary Range: $48,000 – $58,000 based on experience.

This posting will expire 10/23/2024.