Motor Vehicle Operator

New York Botanical Garden•New York, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Motor Vehicle Operator operates a range of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, including NYBG fleet vehicles and equipment with a gross vehicle weight over 18,000 pounds, and performs related work. The operator transports garden officials, employees, materials, plants, and equipment to locations within and outside the garden, including meetings, appointments, vendor pickups, and off-site events. The role also includes operating equipment for snow and debris removal and assisting with heavy tree and shrub removal. Operators maintain and inspect assigned vehicles and equipment, report defects and accidents, prepare trip reports, and may dispatch personnel and equipment in a small garage. When not driving, the employee may perform errands, answer phones, or deliver mail and small packages. This is a full-time union role scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The employee must be available for scheduled nights, weekends, weather emergencies, and overtime as needed. The position is classified as Code 91212, a public safety title requiring a medical examination. The application deadline is November 24, 2026.

Requirements

Pass a practical exam.
Possess a New York State driver’s license.
Possess a New York State Class B commercial driver’s license, or obtain one within three months of employment.
Be able to maintain medical certification in accordance with Commercial Driver’s License requirements.
Work outdoors and under glass in all weather conditions and seasons.
Stand, sit, crouch, kneel, and walk; operate lifts and other machinery; climb ladders; use hand tools and power equipment; and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Perform tasks repetitively.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating construction equipment such as a backhoe and/or wheeled front-end loader.
High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Operate a variety of fleet vehicles, passenger vehicles, trams, trucks, forklifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and other motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
Drive vehicles carrying employees and materials to and from work locations.
Load, offload, and transport materials, equipment, and plants within and outside the garden.
Pick up supplies, materials, and plants from vendors.
Drive NYBG staff to off-site events and transport garden officials to meetings and appointments outside the garden.
Operate heavy equipment to remove snow and debris and assist with removal of heavy trees and shrubs.
Operate equipment in the Green Materials Recycling Area, including a Diamond Z Tub Grinder and Soil / Compost Screener.
Schedule and perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
Inspect vehicle condition; check tires, oil, fuel, lights, horn, and brakes; clean vehicle windows and interior and exterior; and report mechanical defects to supervisors.
Change tires or wheels as needed.
Report accidents involving assigned vehicles.
Operate motor equipment mounted on or transported by a vehicle.
Watch for traffic hazards while the labor force is engaged in emergency repairs.
Be responsible for tools, supplies, materials, and equipment carried in or on the assigned vehicle.
Transport collectors and cases of coin boxes to and from collection areas.
Prepare trip reports.
In a small garage, dispatch personnel, motor vehicles, and equipment as needed.
When not driving, perform additional duties such as running errands, answering phones, and delivering mail or small packages.
Be available to work scheduled nights, weekends, weather emergencies, and overtime as needed.