Horticulturist

Battery Park City Authority•New York, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Horticulturist is responsible for the health, cleanliness and horticultural operations of the landscape, garden and tree maintenance under the jurisdiction of Battery Park City Authority (BPCA). The incumbent should be conscious and proactive towards making BPCA a model of sustainable practices and kept to the standards in which all those who live, work, and visit Battery Park City (BPC) have come to expect. As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of BPCA.

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Horticulture
Progressive responsibilities overseeing and managing landscapes
High School Diploma or GED
Valid U.S. Driver’s License
OSHA 10
Detail oriented
Problems solving
Conflict resolution
Collaborative
A high level of horticultural, compost and pest identification and management knowledge
Knowledge of irrigation systems and its components
Excellent communication skills (verbal and writing)
Exhibit good judgement and decision-making skills
Ability to interact well with all levels of staff
Ability to learn new skills and maintain up to date information on relevant skills and techniques
Ability to read blueprints and plans
Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite programs
Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather
Stand, sit, and squat for long periods of time
Perform repetitive movements
Must be able to push, pull and lift50 pounds
Use their hands/body to control, use, and feel objects, tools or controls

Nice To Haves

Certifications, higher education, and/or trainings on relevant skills
Experience working in public settings
Experience with sustainable landscaping practices
Experience with overseeing and managing teams
NYSDEC Pesticide Technician License

Responsibilities

Perform tasks in all aspects of horticulture such as, planting, transplanting, weeding, watering, mulching, chipping, composting, pruning, deadheading, and other related tasks
Lead Assistant Horticulturists, Season Horticulturist, volunteers and collaborate with Senior Horticulturists to complete assigned tasks
Develop and implement schedules for short- and long-term projects, planting plans and maintenance
Manage garden spaces, trees and irrigation systems as assigned proactively and identify solutions as necessary to focus on optimum plant health
Develop healthy soils through best management practices, including production and use of compost and compost tea
Scout and report potential insect, disease and pest problems as part of integrated pest management, including identification and implementation cultural and chemical controls. Assist in control methods
Assist in the maintenance, updating, and creation of appropriate records, standards operating procedures and protocols
Assist with inventory management and plant selection while exhibiting fiscal responsibility
Remove litter and maintain high organizational standards of cleanliness
Coordinate and assist with irrigation projects and work productively with other staff
Collaborate with other staff and contractors when directed
When requested, work closely with other Parks Operations staff and BPCA departments to develop and execute public educational activities such as garden tours, volunteer groups and public and programmed events
Safely and effectively operate equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, hand tools, power equipment and safety equipment
Always maintain a high standard for safety by timely and safely cautioning off sites for workplace and public safety, and use personal protective equipment and adhere to OSHA, PESH, Federal, State, and City rules and regulations
Identify and report park issues and hazards appropriately and timely
Perform emergency and non-emergency work as assigned such as programmed and permitted events, job specific issues and severe weather events such as snow and ice removal and flood protection measure during and outside of working hours
Always maintain professionalism, including when interacting with the public
Perform other duties as required within the scope of the position