About Central Park and 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.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Park Infrastructure, the incumbent will develop protocols, perform tasks, and supervise staff within the newly created department of Building Systems to oversee and manage the critical building systems in Central Park Conservancy’s widespread collection of public and staff facilities. Work is highly technical and involves management of systems, processes, procurement, and personnel, as well as the overall responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of building systems at all times.
Major areas of responsibility include the following:
Building Systems Management
Monitor and manage building systems using installed BMS system and regularly review building performance against design goals and baseline benchmarks.
Implement preventative maintenance programs and routine inspections based on manufacturer recommendations and operational experience.
Create systems and processes for response to system issues or failures, including during off-hours.
Develop communication and reporting systems to facilitate, monitor and record departmental work, including work order system(s) as necessary.
Manage all annual and multi-year contracts required to maintain critical systems and building envelopes.
Manage project-based work that may arise, either through in-house staff or contracts.
Monitor energy and resource consumption and identify opportunities for conservation measures.
Prepare regular reports on building performance metrics as defined and required, including energy consumption, indoor environmental quality, and operational efficiency.
Ensure compliance with local building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
Maintain accurate records and documentation for regulatory inspections and audits.
Engage stakeholders to gather feedback on building performance, comfort levels, and any operational concerns.
Manage procurement and inventory of disposable provisions related to building systems.
Conduct specialized and technical training for facility personnel.
Harlem Meer Center
Of particular note is the construction of the new Harlem Meer Center (HMC), opening in Winter 2025. The successful Manger of Building Systems will work collaboratively with other departments, the Conservancy’s ice rink operator, the HMC General Manager and NYC Parks to open and operate a multi-use recreational facility that will feature swimming, skating, and public programming. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing inaugural systems and procedures during the initial opening phase and first year of operation. Work includes oversight of the seasonal construction tasks required to pivot between uses. Special attention will be given to the pivoting “window wall” doors in the HMC facility that may require elevated inspection and maintenance procedures.
Communication and Collaboration
The Manager of Building Systems will be an excellent communicator who proactively establishes relationships with other departments and entities inside and outside of the organization. The incumbent will closely partner throughout the year with any assigned personnel from NYC Parks, including the on-site seasonal stationary engineer. Regular checkpoints and meetings will be established with key CPC program managers, ice rink operator staff, custodial care team, and others as needed. The incumbent will also develop systems and protocols for off-hours management and reporting, leveraging evening and weekend management staff as necessary for smooth and continuous facility operation.
Other Duties as Assigned
Other duties may be assigned that reflect the collaborative nature of the work and the need for responsiveness and flexibility. Such assignments may include safety assessment or work related to security, vehicle/fleet management, maintenance project review and implementation, storage management and solutions, and performance management assessments for staff that work in the HMC facility, as examples.
Minimum Requirements:
7+ years’ experience of technical experience and operating building systems with a strong focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Experience in industrial, university, recreational, hospital or similar buildings preferred. Experience with pool and ice rink/refrigeration systems a plus.
Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Collaborative and team player - with the ability to build relationships and work closely with facility stakeholders and partners to ensure that all facilities are maintained to the highest standard and supports all staff and programming needs.
The following NYC Fire Department Certificates of Fitness is required: At the Conservancy’s expense, incumbent will obtain any needed COFs including (but not limited to) F-01 Fire Guard for Impairment (Citywide), A-35 Operate and Maintain Air Compressors, F-03 Indoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel, F-78 Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors, S-12 Citywide Sprinkler System, and S-13 Citywide Standpipe System
Experience working with FDNY, DOB, and other government agency standards/codes. Working knowledge of OSHA Standards, and health and safety best practices
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) and video conferencing.
Ability to lift, pull, and push materials up to 50 lbs. and use scissor lifts to work at extended heights.
Valid Driver’s License required. License must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Salary range: $140K - $160K (based on level of experience)
Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
Safety Requirements
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.