Landscaper Apprentice Program Director

~ For more than two decades, Genesee Land Trust has worked to save natural lands in the greater Rochester area. ~

Preserving land - over 4,920 acres - ensures that future generations may continue to enjoy the gift we inherited--an opportunity to have a relationship with nature, reaping all its benefits.

Position Overview

The Program Director responsible for leading the Landscaper Apprentice Program, a project of Genesee Land Trust based at Conkey Corner Park. The Landscaper Apprentice Program is a summer employment readiness program for ten youth ages 14-15. The program is funded by the City of Rochester’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP) and runs from July 10 – August 18, Monday – Friday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm. A two-week extension (August 21 – September 1) is offered each year to 5 of the 10 youth participants.

The Landscaper Apprentice Program focuses on maintaining and enhancing Conkey Corner Park and El Camino Trail in Rochester’s northeast quadrant. The program seeks to maintain these two properties in a manner that welcomes families to use them while providing youth participants an opportunity to gain skills in the landscaping, horticultural, and conservation fields. During the course of the program, visiting professionals will be invited to meet with the youth and field trips to area businesses and colleges will be scheduled to enrich the youths’ experiences.

Responsibilities

• Interview and hire youth that have been pre-selected by SOOP program.
• Daily direct supervision and teaching of the youth.
• Supervision and mentoring of the Landscaper Apprentice Program Assistant.
• Preparation of materials, tools, projects, work site, and back up plans for daily activities at El Camino and Conkey Corner Park.
• Coordination with Director of Conservation Programs regarding supplies, transportation, and other needs of the program.
• Interface and coordination with Ibero-American Action League facilities regarding the meeting room and tool storage.
• Development, coordination and completion of all required materials (portfolios, time sheets, permission forms, etc. …) of the SOOP program.
• Development of evaluations and timely reporting as required to Genesee Land Trust and SOOP.
• Supervision of all field trips and coordination with host sites.
• Monitor and maximize SOOP budget.
• Lead a two-week extension program for 5 youth. Work with Director of Conservation Programs to plan and implement activities.

Qualifications

• Positive and outgoing attitude, exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2 years of work experience or equivalent required. Non-traditional work and education history valued.
• Experience working with youth in an outdoor learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate youth is essential.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse partners.
• Knowledge of landscaping/horticulture /gardening or related fields preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Experience driving 12-passenger vans or other large vehicles preferred.

Compensation:  This is a temporary, seasonal position with a pay rate starting at $15/hour based on experience and qualifications. The work schedule will be 9am - 5pm, June 30 to September 1. An additional 35 hours will be required in May and June for training, youth interviews, and preparation for the start of the program.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply" to upload your letter of interest and resume to Lorna Wright, Director of Conservation Programs or by mail to Genesee Land Trust, 46 Prince Street, Suite LL005, Rochester NY 14607.