Careers
We’re in the fight for safe, equitable, and sustainable streets in New York City, and we need your help.
Transportation Alternatives is New York City’s leading safe streets advocacy organization. For 50 years, TA has successfully advocated for transformational change even when others said it wasn’t possible.
From banning cars from Central Park to getting a protected bike lane over the Brooklyn Bridge to transforming Queens Boulevard from the “Boulevard of Death” into the “Boulevard of Life,” TA staff, volunteers, and members have been on the frontlines of building streets for people.
Benefits
Medical (with HRA), dental, vision, and life coverage
Optional pre-tax FSA and Commuter Benefits
Hybrid work schedule (combination of in-person and remote)
Three weeks vacation to start + 10 paid sick days
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
12 weeks paid parental leave
401k with 3% match
Open Positions
Full Time
Part Time
-
Reports to: Field Organizing Coordinator
Hours: 20-25 hours/week
Seasonal: May-October
Rate: $23/hour
Transportation Alternatives (TA), New York City's advocate for walking, bicycling, and public transportation, seeks passionate, outgoing, team-oriented community organizers to serve as hourly canvassers for our TA Field Team program. This position is perfect for individuals pursuing a career in community organizing, political organizing, urban planning, climate and racial justice, or fields relating to transportation policy.
The Field Team works on the ground to organize and engage New Yorkers around safer and more equitable streets. The Field Team will report to the Field Organizing Coordinator and work with staff and local activists to plan, prepare for, and attend outreach events around New York City. At the beginning of the program, The Field Team will undergo training about TA’s advocacy campaigns and New York City government and policy as a means to prepare for work in the field.
TA’s Field Team program has been in operation for over a decade and has successfully empowered tens of thousands of New Yorkers to support safer streets through public engagement activities in all five boroughs.
Responsibilities:
Foster citywide community engagement: Represent our organization at community events, conduct street canvassing for various campaigns, gather signatures, participate in rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and conduct community surveys.
Working mostly outdoors to engage diverse community members face-to-face.
Work closely with diverse community members, engaging them face-to-face to understand their needs and concerns.
Plan, prepare for, and conduct strategic outreach plans: Collaborate with local volunteers to devise effective outreach strategies tailored to specific neighborhoods and campaigns.
Foster partnerships with community-based organizations and businesses: Establish meaningful connections to garner support for safe, equitable, and dignified transportation alternatives at a grassroots level.
Drive advocacy through material distribution: Disseminate materials for advocacy campaigns, organizational events, and our Membership Program.
Coordinate with the Field Organizing Coordinator to achieve canvassing targets and expand our organization's reach.
Collaborate with teammates on a season-long research project to address current focus areas and outreach goals
Qualified candidates will bring with them:
Individuals with diverse perspectives on intersections of transportation, public health, environmental justice, racial justice, and other social issue spaces
The ability to work in a team environment to meet deadlines and accomplish common goals
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Flexible schedule with evening and weekends shifts
Experience canvassing or organizing
Preferred -- Working fluency in a second language (Spanish or Bangla)
To Apply:
Please send a brief cover letter and resume to: job_applications@transalt.org with “2024 Field Canvasser” as the subject line
Transportation Alternatives is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. We value having diverse staff in gender, ethnicity, background and modal preference. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
-
Seasonal: May-October
Hourly Rate: $21/hour
Transportation Alternatives’ (TA) mission is to reclaim New York City’s streets from cars, and advocate for better cycling, walking, and public transit for all New Yorkers. For 50 years, TA has led the movement for safe, equitable streets in New York City. We believe that our streets belong to the people of New York City, and we work with New Yorkers in every borough to achieve our mission.
Transportation Alternatives’ Bike Valet is like a coat check for bicycles! Bike Valet makes it easy for the public to visit museums, parks, festivals, and restaurants by ensuring that bikes stay safe from theft and are parked appropriately. This improves the overall guest experience and provides guests a peace of mind.
Summary of Position:
TA is seeking energetic, responsible, and communicative Bike Valet ambassadors to work as part of our Bike Valet team. You will work independently in the field as assigned by the Events and Partnerships Manager to run one of the most exciting programs in NYC and help make some of the city’s most beloved events and venues better by providing Bike Valet services to patrons.
The season generally starts April 2024 and goes through October 2024. We accept applications on a rolling basis and priority is made for those who can commit to more time during evenings and weekends. The majority of events fall between Thursday and Sunday, but any day of the week is possible.
Past Bike Valet venues can include: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, World Trade Center, NYC Summer Streets, and many more.
Responsibilities:
Positively promote Transportation Alternatives
Sign in and return bikes to members of the public in an organized fashion
Collect contact information of guests that use Bike Valet service
Travel to events throughout the five boroughs
Set up and break down tent and other event equipment outdoors
Communicate with event goers and event planners in a friendly and professional manner
Pick up and drop off supplies at the TA office (as needed)
Provide event recaps (as requested) to Events and Partnerships Manager
Qualifications:
Must enjoy approaching and communicating with the public and exhibit excellent customer service skills
Must be able to learn and retain talking points about Transportation Alternatives
Must be able to set up and break down tent and other event equipment
Must be at ease working outdoors and in various weather conditions
Must be able to lift and move bikes around
Must be highly punctual
Values:
Love promoting mission-driven safe streets organizations to the public
Passionate about alternative modes of transportation including walking, biking, and public transit
Curiosity or knowledge about advocacy work that makes NYC safer and more equitable to live in
Seek out laughter and joy in talking to people
Love being outdoors
To Apply:
Please send a brief cover letter and resume to job_applications [at] transalt [dot] org with “Bike Valet Ambassador '' in the subject line. Qualified candidates will be invited for a virtual interview. Must be a resident and/or eligible to work in the U.S.
No phone calls or walk-ins, please.
Transportation Alternatives is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. We value having diverse staff in gender, ethnicity, background and modal preference. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.