Foreperson

Brooklyn Botanic Garden•Brooklyn, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the foreperson of the Conservatory performs supervisory work of more than ordinary difficulty and responsibility in daily tasks relating to the maintenance, development, and record-keeping of Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Conservatory complex, plant nursery, and Bonsai Museum. The foreperson of the Conservatory guides a crew of gardeners, assistant gardeners, seasonals, and volunteers.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related degree, plus a minimum of five years’ paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds management experience in a supervisory capacity (excludes seasonal/volunteer supervision) OR 10 years of paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds management experience, including 5 years in a supervisory capacity (excludes intern/volunteer supervision)
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in handling horticulture and grounds management
Broad-based working knowledge and hands-on experience in the identification, culture, maintenance, and display of a wide range of ornamental plants
May be required to pass written and practical exam
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state in which they reside
Must possess and maintain a current New York State pesticide applicator certification
Proven leadership ability
strong communication skills
Computer literate
Organized and detail-oriented
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Work schedule may not be Monday - Friday

Nice To Haves

Experience with turf management and/or arboriculture a plus

Responsibilities

Organize, guide, and train staff as needed in planning and executing daily work schedules and special work projects.
Diagnose plant diseases, soil health issues and pest infestations.
Coordinate and manage the routine scheduling of appropriate treatments using IPM strategies in the Conservatory.
Manage and be responsible for access, security, and sanitation of the service garages, chemical storage room and nursery.
Assist in ordering and keeping inventory control of general use supplies for greenhouse care and maintenance (fertilizer, soil amendments, mulch, etc.).
Monitor, track, and coordinate the automated environmental systems (temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting) to safeguard sensitive flora.
Oversee the propagation, potting, watering, and pruning of diverse plant collections.
Ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations and workplace safety standards.
Assist with procurement of plant materials for display and living collections.
Serve as a Horticulture department leader for snow removal Garden-wide.
Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Benefits

Health Insurance that begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New York’s Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans, some at no cost to the employee.
Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
Pre-Tax Benefits including flexible spending, dependent care, transit/parking accounts
CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off including sick time, vacation time, and 13 annual holidays
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues