In-House Tree Planting Crew Leader

City of New York•Flushing, NY

About The Position

ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES The mission of NYC Parks is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for present and future generations and care for parks and public spaces. Environment and Planning works to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. Environment and Planning is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Requirements

One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants shrubs and lawns
A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college-level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.
A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to 1 above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in 1 above.
To be appointed or assigned to Gardener - Assignment Level II, after meeting the qualification requirements for Gardener - Assignment Level I, candidates must have one additional year of satisfactory, full time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following areas: propagating, planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns.
To be appointed or assigned to Gardener - Assignment Level II, candidates must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator - Category 3A License issued by the New York State Department of Environmental conservation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Driver License Requirement: A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

Manage all phases of the In-house tree planting pilot program.
Conduct soil sampling, tree bed preparation and maintenance, planting, cultivating, mulching, irrigation, pruning and weeding of trees, flowers and plants.
Train and supervise employees and volunteers in various horticultural tasks and various aspects of general In-house tree planting and maintenance.
Perform necessary horticultural tasks including digging up, balling, burlapping, transplanting trees and plants, potting flowers and other herbaceous or woody plants.
Perform small tree removals and stump removal operations.
Perform excavation, amend, and grade soil to prepare tree beds for planting.
Perform all required compound maintenance including all equipment and supplies, irrigation of trees and all tree-care related duties.
Assist with unloading, storage and maintenance of tree deliveries from nurseries.
Assist with and perform necessary duties to load trees for planting.
Use agency tree maintenance applications to collect necessary tree data.
Assist in and perform tasks involved in the operation and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment.
Maintain equipment, vehicles, and computerized irrigation systems. Performs basic repairs to the irrigation system.
Operate transportation vehicles, tractors and other heavy equipment.
Make necessary operating adjustments; report needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor(s).
Maintain records and prepare written reports. Develop and oversee inventory management of tools, equipment and supplies.
Recommend purchases; select and order plants, supplies and new equipment.
Demonstrate professionalism with staff and the public and serve as a role model of high work ethics and performance.
Perform other horticultural and park maintenance duties as needed.
Assist with storm response as needed.