Park Operations Assistant

Please read full description before submitting form. All applicants MUST upload cover letter, resume and list of three references as a SINGLE PDF document to be considered.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class gathering space for everyone. The Conservancy was founded in 2003 to develop, operate, steward, and program the Detroit Riverwalk and associated green spaces, including Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, Dequindre Cut, Archer Greenway, and Southwest Greenway. Every year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy welcomes more than three million visitors who enjoy our public spaces through public programs, recreation, and community connection.

The Conservancy is responsible for the improvement, security, operations, maintenance, and programming of the Detroit Riverfront in perpetuity.

The Park Operations Assistant position will support the operations of the Detroit Riverwalk and associated parks and greenways, as well as event support for public programs. She/he/they will be responsible for routine site maintenance, event setup and strike, including but not limited to AV, vendor, and operations point of contact, site mapping, and general event support. This position is seasonal, and the work week will vary and require various weekend and weeknight hours.

This position will report to the East Riverfront Operations Manager and the Ralph Wilson Park Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily walk-throughs of Riverwalk parks to document and remedy any minor park issues.
• Perform daily duties to set up and strike parks, including power washing, raking sand and mulch, placing or moving furniture, straightening games, and site amenities
• Perform general site maintenance
• Set up and strike event or program materials, including but not limited to tents, tables, chairs
• On-site event supervision to ensure smooth operation for DRFC programs and events
• Serve on point for operations requests during various events and programming on Detroit Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, and DCFY.
• Act as site liaison for volunteer clean-up or build projects
• Other duties as assigned

Your background:

• Background in parks and recreation, facilities management, environmental studies, theater or music production or a related field is preferred
• Experience with sound A/V, musicians, back of house, or production work
• Experience with Google Docs and Microsoft Office, including MS Word and Excel
• Ability to accomplish projects independently, multi-task and adapt to changes in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Exceptional interpersonal communications skills (phone, email, face-to-face)
• Fantastic customer service ethic and high expectations for quality
• Experience working in parks, public spaces, landscaping or production
• Capacity to lift 60 lbs.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work weekends and some weeknights – hours will vary and include weekends and weeknights. April – early October 20-25 hours a week
• A valid driver’s license is required

Who you are:

• A champion and advocate for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s mission and our visitors
• Passion to work outdoors via a hands-on job
• Possess a growth mindset with an openness to coaching and critical feedback
• Able to utilize basic tools and equipment
• Background in light maintenance
• Dynamic self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit who can think strategically, with imagination, and possess a good sense of humor with the ability to challenge and inspire
• Action-oriented, decisive, quick study with proven ability to think analytically
• Ability to work well under pressure with persistence, perseverance, tenacity, integrity and patience

Operations Assistant is a non-exempt, seasonal, part-time position with 20-25hrs a week. Pay rate is $17hr. Season will begin in April and run through mid-September. We are hiring 8 people for this position. Work week will vary and will include weekday and weekend work.

To apply for this position, please upload your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references as a single PDF. We will be accepting applications until the positions are filled. Please, no phone calls.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.