Friends of the High Line Volunteer - 2024

Throughout our history, dedicated volunteers have helped make the High Line a success. We couldn’t keep this public space thriving without the neighbors and community members who share their time, expertise, feedback, talent, and energy. Due to the nature of working in a public, outdoor environment, all volunteers should be prepared to interact with park patrons and experience various weather conditions during their work.

The High Line Volunteer program comprises a friendly and inclusive group of individuals who share a common interest in public spaces, civic involvement, gardening, history, and environmental sustainability. Members of this community come from diverse backgrounds, and they share a deep concern for their neighborhood and New York City as a whole.

Our Volunteer opportunities

Greeters - Accepting Applications

Role and responsibilities - Greeters interact with High Line visitors from a stationary information cart in the park. They distribute digital and print materials, assist with wayfinding, and engage in conversations about history, design, art, horticulture, and more. They also play a role in fundraising for the High Line, as visitors are welcome to make donations at the information cart. Volunteers are expected to commit at least 4 hours per month. Shifts are available Wednesday through Sunday in 2 two-hour shifts Increments from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Skills

• Willingness to engage with the public
• Ability to stand for two hours at a time
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Docents - All Positions Filled at this Time

Role and responsibilities - Docents lead High Line visitors on interactive walking tours of the park. They work with our staff to research and develop a walking tour that aligns with the High Line mission and their personal interests. They engage park visitors in conversation about subjects such as history, art, horticulture, architecture, and more. They also play a role in fundraising for the High Line by sharing information about how visitors can donate. Docents are expected to commit to giving 15 tours a year.

After completing one year as a greeter, you will be eligible to apply for the Docent role. To prepare for this role, you must complete the mandated training sessions.

Skills

• Willingness to listen and learn
• Strong communicator
• Ability to walk at least 1.5 miles at a time
• Ability to volunteer outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
  

Horticulture Partners - Accepting applications

Role and responsibilities - Horticulture Partners are paired with our horticulturist to help with watering, weeding, pruning, cleaning plant beds, and other gardening tasks. This role is available on weekday mornings from April to October to match the Horticulture department's work schedule.

Skills

• Previous experience or a strong interest in horticulture
• Ability to take part in physically demanding tasks
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Availability on weekday mornings - schedule is flexible
  

Ambassadors - Accepting applications

Roles and responsibilities - Ambassadors support High Line programs. The tasks of Ambassadors include but are not limited to engaging with event attendees, providing information on upcoming High Line programs, supporting wayfinding and check-in, and supporting High Line staff in delivering program activities. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to support the High Line’s participation at events in our community.  This is a public-facing role for anyone excited to connect with visitors of the park and members of our community. 

Skills

• Willingness to engage with the public
• Flexibility with working in different locations and environments
• Ability to stand for two hours at a time

About Friends of the High Line

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The City of New York owns the High Line, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

**If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation during the application process, please send an email request to [email protected] **