Horticulturist

Horticulturist

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.

Essential Duties:

• 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

Education and Experience:

Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Competencies:

• Detail oriented
• Problems solving
• Conflict resolution
• Collaborative

Skills:

• 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

Physical Requirements:

• 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 lift 50 pounds
• Use their hands/body to control, use, and feel objects, tools or controls