Work With Us
Green-Wood is hiring. Discover ways to work with us!
We seek outstanding candidates to help us serve our community as a working cemetery and place of memorialization, a National Historic Landmark, an arboretum, and a cultural institution.
Mission Statement
Green-Wood is a living cemetery that brings people closer to the world as it is and was, by memorializing the dead and bringing to life the art, history, and natural beauty of New York City.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Terramation Manager (Full-Time Role)
Position: Terramation Manager
Department: Landscape
Reports to: Vice President of Landscape
Location: The Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $90,000–$100,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Hours: FULL-TIME (M-F, 8A-4P)
ABOUT GREEN-WOOD
The Green-Wood Cemetery is the permanent residence of more than 580,000 individuals and a beloved public destination, welcoming nearly 500,000 visitors annually. Spanning 478 acres of historic grounds, grand architecture, and world-class statuary, Green-Wood is more than a cemetery—it is a National Historic Landmark, an accredited arboretum, an outdoor museum, and a cultural hub rooted in the heart of Brooklyn.
As a living cemetery, Green-Wood blends preservation, nature, and community engagement with innovation. Our work spans a wide range of programming—from the arts and education to environmental stewardship, workforce development, restoration, and scholarly research. Through it all, we remain deeply committed to honoring our mission and treating every visitor and family with care, dignity, and respect.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Green-Wood’s Landscape Department oversees the preservation and care of its historic 478-acre grounds. The team manages all aspects of the landscape, including monuments, the arboretum, grasslands, gardens, and water bodies. Through integrated conservation practices and climate-adaptive strategies, the department protects historic features, supports biodiversity, and enhances ecosystem services. Combining expertise in historic preservation, ecological management, and landscape best practices, the department ensures Green-Wood’s health and integrity for generations to come.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Green-Wood is introducing Terramation (Natural Organic Reduction) as an innovative new offering for families seeking a meaningful, environmentally conscious form of disposition. Reporting to the Vice President of Landscape, the Terramation Manager will lead the launch, day-to-day operation, and continuous improvement of this program, ensuring every individual entrusted to our care is treated with dignity, professionalism, and compassion throughout the process.
Working collaboratively across the Landscape Department, Facilities, Family Services, and Burial Operations, this role will develop the systems, procedures, and operational standards necessary to build a best-in-class program while advancing Green-Wood’s environmental stewardship initiatives.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building new programs, improving processes, solving problems, and working in both operational and scientific environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Terramation Manager is responsible for:
- Terramation Operations:
- Serve as the primary liaison with the Terramation equipment vendor for commissioning, preventive maintenance, service support, and warranty matters.
- Serve as Green-Wood’s operational subject matter expert for Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), providing guidance and support to internal departments.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of Green-Wood’s Terramation program.
- Manage each case from acceptance into the facility through final placement, in accordance with Green-Wood policies, regulatory requirements, and family wishes.
- Ensure every individual entrusted to our care is treated with dignity, professionalism, compassion, and respect throughout the process.
- Supervise unionized staff responsible for pod loading and related facility operations, including scheduling, training, coaching, performance management, and day-to-day direction, while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
- Operate, monitor, and maintain Terramation equipment and associated systems, including the biofilter system, media replacement, moisture and odor monitoring, routine servicing, and response to equipment or operational issues.
- Coordinate laboratory testing, including soil, emissions, biofilter, and other process-related analyses, as needed.
- Perform quality assurance activities, including process monitoring and verification, and maintain required quality and chain-of-custody records.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and regulatory-compliant facility.
- Serve as the primary liaison with the Terramation equipment vendor for commissioning, preventive maintenance, service support, and warranty matters.
- Environmental Stewardship & Landscape Integration:
- Assist in planning future phases of soil utilization and placement throughout the cemetery, including landscape projects related to Natural Organic Reduction.
- Develop and refine Green-Wood’s proprietary substrate and composting methodologies, incorporating onsite organic materials to reduce reliance on vendor formulations and advance landscape sustainability.
- Lead the expansion of composting initiatives beyond Natural Organic Reduction, incorporating leaves, wood chips, and other organic materials to support Green-Wood’s broader landscape and horticultural operations.
- Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that advance Green-Wood’s broader operational, environmental, and sustainability goals.
- Process Development & Continuous Improvement:
- Develop, document, and refine operating procedures and workflows.
- Build process documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and consistency.
- Monitor emerging research, technologies, scientific literature, and industry best practices to position Green-Wood as a leader in Natural Organic Reduction and continuously enhance program operations.
- Champion a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Prepare operational reports, performance metrics, and regulatory documentation to support decision-making and process optimization.
- Compliance & Safety–Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including:
- Funeral and State cemetery law
- Environmental regulations
- OSHA and workplace safety requirements
- Fire and building codes
- Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance and equipment inspections.
- Follow all PPE and safety protocols.
- Assist in developing and managing the annual operating budget for the Terramation program.
- Family Care:
- Partner with Family Services and Operations to deliver a seamless, compassionate experience for every family through respectful communication, coordination, and exceptional service.
- Support family education and visitation experiences, when appropriate, ensuring compassionate and professional service.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Soil Science, Ecology, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, Environmental Engineering, Compost Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in composting, organics management, environmental operations, horticulture, agriculture, ecological restoration, laboratory operations, or a related field.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Demonstrated success developing, documenting, and improving operational processes and standard operating procedures.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, digital recordkeeping systems, and operational management software.
- Ability to approach sensitive work with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience required; experience leading unionized workforces and managing within a collective bargaining environment strongly preferred.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in a related discipline.
- Experience operating biological treatment or large-scale composting systems.
- Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Laboratory sampling, quality assurance, or quality control experience.
- OSHA 10 certification or the ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
- Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain certification; training provided).
- Experience working in regulated operational environments.
Mission Alignment
- Commitment to Green-Wood’s mission and values, with an appreciation for its historical, cultural, and ecological significance.
- Passion for history, culture, environmental stewardship, and public service.
- Knowledge of sustainable landscape practices is a strong plus
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform other physical activities for extended periods.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain.
- Ability to climb ladders and safely work on equipment in elevated or confined spaces.
- Ability to operate powered equipment, machinery, and cemetery vehicles, as applicable.
- Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Employees required to operate cemetery vehicles must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving history that meets Green-Wood’s insurance requirements.
- Ability to communicate effectively and safely perform the essential functions of the position.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.
MEASURING DEPARTMENTAL SUCCESS
Success in all roles within Landscape will be measured by the following metrics:
- Landscape Maintenance – Ensure timely care of turf, trees, meadows, and gardens, with accurate documentation through GIS systems to preserve Green-Wood’s landscape integrity.
- Ecological Initiatives – Implement biodiversity, sustainability, and climate adaptation strategies, and lead research partnerships to advance environmentally responsible practices.
- Team Development – Provide ongoing training to ensure staff compliance with safety regulations and best practices in landscape management. Solve challenges by proactively working across departments.
- Public Engagement – Proactively address public concerns and feedback to ensure a positive community experience and strengthen engagement with Green-Wood’s mission.
- Operational Efficiency – Streamline workflows, manage budgets effectively, and pursue external funding opportunities to enhance horticultural initiatives.
Success in this role will be evaluated by:
- Successfully launch, sustain, and advance Green-Wood’s Terramation and broader organics management initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements.
- Ensure complete and accurate chain-of-custody and operational documentation.
- Achieve established quality assurance and process performance standards.
- Maintain equipment reliability through preventive maintenance.
- Deliver exceptional service and coordination for families and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain SOPs and training documentation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
Green-Wood is a living cemetery that brings people closer to the world as it is and was, by memorializing the dead and bringing to life the art, history, and natural beauty of New York City.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Green-Wood is an equal employment opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and any other basis or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Pay Transparency Clause
As required by New York City law, the salary range for this position is disclosed in this job posting. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and qualifications.
READY TO APPLY?
Submit a resume and brief cover letter highlighting relevant horticultural experience and interest in working within a historic landscape setting to hiring@green-wood.com with the subject line: Terramation Manager: [Your Last Name].
Arborist (Full-Time Role)
Position: Arborist
Department: Landscape (Cemetery Operations)
Reports to: Director of Living Collections and Curator
Location: The Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Terms: This position is governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between The Green-Wood Cemetery and Teamsters Local 810 and subject to its probationary provisions.)
Compensation: $40/hour ($41/hour effective June 1, 2026) (compensation is governed by the CBA)
Hours: 40 hours per week; 5 days/week, 5 hours/day (Monday–Friday), with occasional weekend or evening work between 8:00am and 5:00pm
ABOUT GREEN-WOOD
The Green-Wood Cemetery is the permanent residence of more than 580,000 individuals and a beloved public destination, welcoming nearly 500,000 visitors annually. Spanning 478 acres of historic grounds, grand architecture, and world-class statuary, Green-Wood is more than a cemetery—it is a National Historic Landmark, an accredited arboretum, an outdoor museum, and a cultural hub rooted in the heart of Brooklyn.
As a living cemetery, Green-Wood blends preservation, nature, and community engagement with innovation. Our work spans a wide range of programming—from the arts and education to environmental stewardship, workforce development, restoration, and scholarly research. Through it all, we remain deeply committed to honoring our mission and treating every visitor and family with care, dignity, and respect.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Green-Wood’s Department of Landscape oversees the preservation and care of its historic 478-acre grounds. The team manages all aspects of the landscape, including monuments, the arboretum, grasslands, gardens, and water bodies. Through integrated conservation practices and climate-adaptive strategies, the department protects historic features, supports biodiversity, and enhances ecosystem services. Combining expertise in historic preservation, ecological management, and horticulture best practices, the department safeguards the long-term health, beauty, and integrity of Green-Wood for generations to come.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Vice President of Landscape and the Director of Living Collections & Curator, the Arborist upholds professional standards of tree care and safety while supporting the department’s goals to expand plant diversity, increase canopy cover, and strengthen ecological resilience. The role advances Green-Wood’s commitment to sustainable landscape management and environmental stewardship through the conservation, maintenance, and enhancement of its living collection.
The Arborist serves as a certified practitioner and technical specialist in arboriculture within the Landscape Department, applying industry standards and best practices to all tree care operations. This position combines scientific knowledge, technical skill, and hands-on fieldwork to ensure the health, safety, and longevity of Green-Wood’s historic tree canopy and woody plant collections.
Working in coordination with Landscape leadership, the Arborist supports institutional priorities related to canopy management, biodiversity, and long-term landscape sustainability, while ensuring all work is performed safely and in compliance with established protocols. This role contributes directly to the stewardship of one of the nation’s most significant historic landscapes and accredited arboretums, reflecting Green-Wood’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence in landscape care.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Arborist is proactively responsible for:
- Tree Care:
- Inspect, assess, and maintain trees and woody plants to ensure health, structural integrity, safety, and aesthetic condition, in accordance with ISA standards and ANSI A300/Z133 guidelines.
- Perform arboricultural operations using climbing techniques and aerial lifts, including pruning, removals, cabling and bracing, planting, soil remediation/improvement, and stump grinding.
- Conduct preventive and restorative maintenance throughout the year—such as structural pruning, canopy clearance, and root-zone management—to promote long-term tree health and stability.
- Monitor tree health using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles; identify, treat, and report pests and diseases, and maintain accurate plant records within Green-Wood’s GIS-based tree inventory system.
- Apply fertilizers, soil amendments, and other treatments as needed to support optimal plant health and vigor.
- Review completed work to ensure quality, safety compliance, and adherence to industry standards and Green-Wood’s arboricultural protocols.
- Respond promptly to emergency and storm-related incidents to mitigate hazards and ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and property.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance:
- Safely operate and maintain all arboricultural equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts, mowers, and related tools, in accordance with training and established safety protocols.
- Conduct and document routine equipment inspections (daily, weekly, and seasonal), maintaining detailed and accurate maintenance logs in accordance with departmental standards.
- Maintain comprehensive records of work performed, materials used, tree conditions, and equipment servicing.
- Utilize ESRI Workforce, GIS systems, and other digital tools to track work orders, document field activities, and communicate updates effectively.
- Use digital platforms and computer applications for recordkeeping, internal communication, and data entry.
- Support seasonal operations, including snow and ice removal, as assigned.
- Communication & Collaboration:
- Promptly report tree hazards, equipment malfunctions, and landscape concerns to supervisors.
- Participate actively in departmental and team meetings to coordinate priorities, align care practices, and ensure safe and efficient access to work zones.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to seasonal staff or interns on safe climbing, pruning, and ground operations.
- Support volunteer programs and public-facing initiatives related to tree care, environmental stewardship, and sustainability, including setup and equipment oversight.
QUALIFICATIONS
What you will need to succeed
- ISA Certified Arborist credential required and maintained in good standing; additional ISA or TCIA credentials (e.g., TRAQ, Tree Worker Climber Specialist) preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional arboricultural experience, preferably in urban forestry, public gardens, or historic landscape settings.
- Comprehensive understanding of arboricultural principles, including tree biology, soil science, pruning standards, and pest and disease management, in alignment with ANSI A300/Z133 standards.
- Demonstrated proficiency in safe tree climbing, rigging, and aerial lift operation.
- Strong skills in tree identification (both botanical and common names), pruning techniques, and pest/disease diagnostics.
- Proven ability to safely operate and maintain arboricultural equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and related tools.
- Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities related to tree health, structural integrity, and environmental conditions.
- Familiarity with GIS-based tree inventory systems and digital field documentation tools.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, climbing, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working at heights for extended periods in all weather conditions; must pass required safety and physical capacity evaluations.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Valid New York State driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout employment; employees operating cemetery vehicles must also meet insurance requirements, including a minimum five-year driving history.
- Spanish language proficiency preferred.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
- Work is performed outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions, including frequent work at heights using climbing gear, ladders, and aerial lifts.
- Regular exposure to noise, moving machinery, and environmental hazards, including chemicals, insects, and uneven or hilly terrain.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to OSHA, ANSI, and departmental safety protocols.
- Operation of cemetery vehicles and equipment requires a valid New York State driver’s license and maintenance of an acceptable driving record (minimum five years for insurance purposes).
- Availability to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency situations, including storm-related events, as needed.
- Willingness to work outside standard hours to support operational and institutional needs.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and able to complete Form I-9 verification upon hire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement
Green-Wood is a living cemetery that brings people closer to the world as it is and was, by memorializing the dead and bringing to life the art, history, and natural beauty of New York City.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Green-Wood is an equal employment opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and any other basis or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Pay Transparency Clause
As required by New York City law, the salary range for this position is disclosed in this job posting. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and qualifications.
IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR SERVICE
We recognize that union staff play an essential role in advancing our mission, and we are committed to honoring your contributions with meaningful support. This position is part of the Local 810 bargaining unit and is governed by the CBA.
Benefits are provided through union-administered funds, including participation in the United Wire, Metal and Machine Health and Welfare Fund, which offers medical and related coverage in accordance with plan terms. The Cemetery contributes to this fund on behalf of eligible employees, with eligibility determined by the CBA and fund rules. Additional benefits, including retirement (Teamsters National 401(k)) and provisions such as paid time off and holidays, are administered in accordance with the CBA.
Compensation: $40/hour ($41/hour effective June 1, 2026, per CBA)
Schedule: 5 days/week, 5 hours/day (Monday–Friday), with occasional weekend or evening work between 8:00am and 5:00pm
Additional benefits, including retirement (Teamsters National 401(k)) and provisions such as paid time off and holidays, are administered in accordance with the CBA.
Green-Wood also offers:
- Free on-site parking and commuter benefits, including pre-tax transit options in accordance with applicable law and plan terms
- Cultural discounts, arboretum access, recognition programs, and burial benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- A welcoming, mission-driven work environment
- Opportunities to contribute to impactful, community-centered work
- A unique work setting within a National Historic Landmark and accredited arboretum
- Access to Green-Wood’s public programs, events, and cultural offerings
- Hands-on experience and opportunities for skill development within a collaborative team environment grounded in stewardship, safety, and respect
READY TO APPLY?
Submit a resume and brief cover letter highlighting relevant horticultural experience and interest in working within a historic landscape setting to hiring@green-wood.com with the subject line: Arborist: [Your Last Name].
Selection Process
Qualified candidates may participate in a multi-step evaluation process, including:
- Interview with Horticulture leadership.
- Written examination (70% minimum to advance).
- Practical skills assessment (plant identification, tool proficiency, applied techniques).
Union & Employment Conditions
This position is governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between The Green-Wood Cemetery and Teamsters Local 810. All employment terms—including wages, hours, benefits, seniority, and probation—are governed by the CBA.
New employees are subject to a 60-day probationary period under the CBA. During this period, the Department conducts a structured practical evaluation to assess applied skills and safety practices. This evaluation does not supersede or modify the CBA.
Employment is contingent upon verification of required credentials, successful completion of required evaluations, and compliance with all applicable safety, training, and union requirements.
Request for Proposal: Natural Organic Reduction Landscapes (Contract)
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1838, The Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark encompassing 478 acres in Brooklyn. Its historic landscape, recognized as the inspiration for Central Park, honors more than 570,000 individuals and remains one of the nation’s most significant cemeteries.
The Green-Wood Cemetery (GWC) invites proposals from qualified landscape architecture firms to lead a 10-week integrated landscape study of three distinct areas, Sylvan Bluff, Dell Water, and Fort Hamilton, to be approached together as a single, cohesive, phased landscape solution. Each area calls for a conceptual design that responds to its own ecological conditions and historic character, applies ecological best practices, and advances GWC’s burial and revenue needs, with particular emphasis on integrating material produced by GWC’s Natural Organic Reduction (NOR, or “terramation”) program into the landscape. Proposals should address NOR alongside a diversity of other forms of final disposition and memorialization, and should ensure that all three designs remain in keeping with the cemetery’s established Landscape Values and Treatment Guidelines, as well as historic character.
Proposals are due by 3:00pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Firms electing not to respond are asked to notify John Hooper of About the Work (AtW) at jhooper@atworkllc.com.
CONTACT
The Green-Wood Cemetery
c/o John Hooper
About the Work
jhooper@atworkllc.com
m: 847.337.4624
PROJECT SPECIFICS
Project Context:
Each of the three sites has its own history of prior study, though the extent and relevance of that work varies. Dell Water is the most advanced, with a prior team having developed a master plan concept spanning landscape architecture, water and ecological engineering, and site management, proposing that Dell be reshaped to once again function hydraulically and manage stormwater for a 50- to 100-year storm event. The Sylvan Bluff area has also been previously studied at a concept and feasibility level. It has also been modified to be actively managed, having been the site of GWC’s most significant recent stormwater interventions. Fort Hamilton, the area adjacent to the residence, was studied only at a rough concept or sketch level, and carries historic significance along with notable access and boundary constraints. This prior work may or may not remain relevant to the design direction that emerges from this study, and proposing teams should evaluate each site’s history on its own merits rather than assume continuity with past approaches.
While historical site data and hydrology are provided for context, the goal of this RFP is to develop a new concept design for all three sites.
Site Summary:
| Site | Conditions & Constraints |
| Sylvan Bluff | -Steep slopes, mature tree canopy to preserve, high water table. -1.7 acre Kettle pond fed by a ~130-acre catch-basin watershed, hydraulically connected to Valley water. -Now retrofitted to automatically act as a detention pond, managing ~95% of storm events successfully. |
| Dell Water | -Invasive dominant surrounding slopes. -Underutilized areas for interment options. -Compromised clay liner that no longer holds water -Historic connections to Crescent and Sylvan no longer function. -Requires dredging, liner repair, and restoration of hydraulic function — anticipated to be the largest single expense. -Possible DEP stormwater rerouting with staged filtration. |
| Fort Hamilton | -Historically significant boundary fence. -Site-access limitations. -Area was partitioned for burial site. |
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Project Team
The selected landscape architecture firm will serve as Prime Consultant for this concept planning effort. GWC will directly retain cost, cemetery, and other consultants as needed; the landscape architect’s fee shall include coordination with all owner-retained consultants.
The landscape architect’s base fee shall include full coordination with any owner-retained consultants, such as cost estimators or specialty advisors, and incorporation of their findings into the study.
Key decisions are reviewed by GWC’s Landscape and Environment Committee and, for capital commitments, by its Board of Trustees. The selected firm should plan for periodic working sessions with the project team and milestone presentations as requested.
Project Timeline
GWC anticipates an approximately 10 week study addressing all three sites concurrently. The project anticipates a kickoff meeting occurring by Thursday, September 10, 2026, and concluding by November 20, 2026. To support the timeline of the project, GWC will meet regularly with the landscape architect as noted above and provide timely responses to the work presented.
| Timeline | Phase | Focus |
| 2 Weeks | Discovery & Analysis | Review prior studies and site data, conduct site walks and existing-conditions analysis, meet with staff, and establish baseline terramation volume and capacity assumptions. |
| 4 Weeks | Conceptual Design | Develop at least (2) unified concepts and per-site conceptual designs, the terramation material-use, and memorialization strategies. |
| 4 Weeks | Refinement & Reporting | Refine the preferred direction, prepare phasing and order-of-magnitude cost considerations, and present findings to leadership and the Board as requested. |
Anticipated Phases and Scope
Discovery & Analysis (Phase 1)
- Review prior studies and existing documentation for all three sites
- Conduct site walks and existing-conditions analysis, including topography, canopy, hydrology, access, and historic and cultural features
- Meet with GWC staff and leadership to confirm operational needs
- Hold up to 3 programming sessions to confirm desired:
- Burial / revenue generating program elements
- Ecological needs and goals, including but not limited to biodiversity, habitat creation, and climate resilience.
- Historical continuity of design
- Establish baseline terramation volume
- Prepare a consolidated opportunities-and-constraints summary across the three sites
Conceptual Design (Phase 2)
- Develop (2) cohesive conceptual design options including themes to be carried across all three individual sites: Sylvan Bluff, Dell Water, and Fort Hamilton
- Develop per-site conceptual designs addressing site-specific needs
- Delineate programmatic outcomes to allow for third-party revenue modeling
Refinement & Reporting (Phase 3)
- Refine the preferred concept based on GWC feedback
- Prepare a suggested phasing plan
- Coordinate with the cost consultant to prepare ROM cost estimates
- Prepare the final presentation that presents findings and recommendations to GWC leadership and Board as requested
COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES
Respondents shall provide a fee proposal in accordance with the scope of services and study phases described herein. The fee should be presented as a lump sum, with a clear breakdown by phase.
The proposal should also identify:
- Hourly rates for all key staff and subconsultants
- Assumptions and exclusions that inform the proposed fee
- Reimbursable expenses, if anticipated, identified separately
The final fee structure, scope, and amount will be negotiated with About the Work (AtW) following review of proposals and prior to contract execution.
All proposed fees shall include coordination with GWC’s cost consultant and any other owner-retained advisors necessary to complete the concept study.
PROPOSAL
The proposal should be no more than twenty (20) 8-1/2 X 11 pages and must include the sections listed below in the order presented.
Letter of Interest
Introduce the firm and demonstrate an understanding of the assignment. Briefly summarize the firm’s approach, experience, and ability to deliver the requested services in a complete, timely, and professional manner.
Relevant Experience
Describe the firm’s qualifications and those of any subconsultants. Provide a minimum of five (5) relevant projects, including:
- Project name, location, and brief description of scope
- Date of completion
- Firm’s role and key staff involved
- Reference name, title, and contact information
Because of the specialized nature of this work, proposers must demonstrate genuine, evidenced capability in each of the following areas:
- Cultural and historic landscapes: demonstrated work in historically significant or protected landscapes; sensitivity to a National Historic Landmark context.
- Ecological Design: demonstrated ability to design landscapes that support habitat creation, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
- Stormwater Management: fluency in landscape-based stormwater management, hydrology, and climate-resilient design, and the ability to integrate specialist water/ecological engineering.
- Memorialization: experience designing places of memory, commemoration, and final disposition.
- Soil management — more than a basic command of soils, relevant to the handling, siting, and use of terramated material and fill.
Key Personnel and Time Allocation
List proposed team members, their roles, and the percent allocation of time to the project. Provide resumes for key staff highlighting related experience. Include a summary of current workload and availability to begin in [month].
Proposed Approach, Methodology, and Timeframe
Outline the firm’s project management strategy, design methodology, and communication protocols. Describe specifically how the team will treat the three sites as one holistic study, and how it will engage GWC throughout to ensure informed decision-making. Highlight any distinctive planning or analytical tools your firm will bring to the effort.
Conflict of Interest and Prior Work Disclosure
Disclose any prior or current work for GWC and any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Firms that participated in prior studies of these sites are eligible to propose and should disclose that work.
Supplemental Information (Optional)
Include any additional materials or clarifications that may support the proposal.
Fee Schedule
Provide a fee schedule that aligns with the points below. Additionally, provide a description of how your firm would develop a fee for the work as it advances into design and construction. Given that the scope and scale of future work may vary, this description should outline your general fee methodology, assumptions, and pricing framework to help GWC understand your firm’s overall approach and price point.
- Lump sum fee by phase
- Hourly rates by staff level
- Anticipated reimbursable expenses
SELECTION CRITERIA & PROCESS
Proposals will be evaluated by Green-Wood Cemetery and About the Work based on the following criteria:
- Relevant experience across the five qualification areas
- Approach and methodology, particularly the holistic treatment of the three sites
- Team qualifications and availability
- Quality of submission
- Fee proposal
Following review, select firms may be invited to participate in interviews with GWC and AtW prior to final selection.
To download a PDF copy of the submission form and the full RFP, please click here.