Horticulturist, Propagation Specialist

The Horticulturist, Propagation Specialist is an employee of Friends of the High Line and an integral part of the park’s Operations team. Under the general supervision of the Senior Director of Horticulture and the Senior Horticulture Manager, the Horticulturist, Propagation Specialist is responsible for the year-round care and maintenance of assigned garden zone including all aspects of monitoring, caring for, and reporting on diverse plantings of herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, irrigation and hardscape elements, as well as supporting public use of the park and the High Line’s horticulture related events and programs. Additionally, the Horticulturist, Propagation Specialist leads propagation activities that support the High Line garden’s living collections, plant sale events and workshops, including managing propagation schedules, seed collections, caring for propagated plants and maintaining accurate records.

This is a full-time, year-round, non exempt position with an hourly rate of $32.69. This position will report to the Senior Horticulture Manager.

Requirements

Garden Zone Maintenance

• Care for and maintain the health and aesthetic of plant beds and their surrounding landscapes in the assigned garden zone in accordance with organizational standards and established schedules.
• Perform daily tasks including planting, dividing and transplanting, deadheading, pruning, editing, grooming, mulching and weeding.
• Monitor plants and soil moisture daily, and hand water as needed.
• Monitor irrigation programs daily; troubleshoot and report issues; repair minor leaks and breakages as needed.
• Maintain plant health through Integrated Pest Management principles including scouting, identifying, reporting, and documenting pests and diseases.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety of the assigned garden zone through daily morning walkthrough, including clearing damage, debris and litter.
• Repair minor plant bed damages due to extreme weather, construction disturbance and visitor intrusion.
• Maintain horticulture related hardscape such as signages and plant bed protections, including repair, replacement and installation.
• Inventory, maintain, store and stage tools, equipment and supplies for daily horticulture operations.
• Operate power tools and equipment after requisite training and in accordance with the High Line’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate parks’ vehicles including utility vehicle and pick-up truck when requested.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Propagation

• Develop plant production plans and propagate plants using seeds, cuttings, division and other methods to support the High Line’s horticulture initiatives and programs.
• Collect seeds from the High Line gardens at optimal times and store them properly to ensure high germination rates.
• Sow seeds and pot up seedlings to grow plants to transplantable sizes according to established schedules.
• Provide daily care for propagated plants, ensuring they receive proper watering, general care, and protection from extreme heat and cold throughout the growing season.
• Manage the temperature and overall environment of the 10’ x 26’ greenhouse.
• Maintain the propagation and storage areas clean and organized. Sanitize propagation containers and trays.
• Monitor inventory levels for propagation supplies and submit purchase order requests when needed.
• Maintain accurate production records, plant inventories, and plant labels.
• Document data to develop and refine propagation protocols for future use.
• Support and coordinate propagation-related events, including the High Line plant sale, plant donations.
• Lead propagation workshops to volunteers and community members through horticulture and education programs.

Communication and Teamwork

• Give updates to the Senior Director of Horticulture, Senior Horticulture Manager, Senior Horticulture Supervisor and Horticulture Supervisor on landscape issues and work status as requested.
• Provide detailed and timely instructions to seasonal gardeners, interns and volunteers with regards to their work assignments.
• Report, document, and catalog landscape maintenance information according to the established schedules and communication protocols, including weekly work report, planting task report, etc.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Horticulture, Senior Horticulture Manager, Senior Horticulture Supervisor and Horticulture Supervisor and other horticulture staff to achieve strategic departmental goals.
• Support projects such as green waste management, plant deliveries, operation space and storage clean-up, irrigation maintenance, tree pruning and removal, ice and snow removal, propagation and Spring Cutback.
• Support training and initial orientation of seasonal gardeners, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintain the department’s storage and operation space with attention to cleanliness and safety.
• Contribute discussion items to daily and weekly horticulture meeting agenda.
• Attend scheduled meetings as part of the High Line Horticulture team and Operations department.
• Support various tasks as needed.

Horticulture Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for Friends of the High Line, answering park visitors’ questions about horticulture, High Line history, design, and general park information. Guide park tours when requested.
• Support horticulture related activities, events and programs such as corporate partners and members events, education and community events, and volunteer programs.
• Assist with the development, organization, and implementation of horticulture programs, publications and tours.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Required qualifications 

• Three or more years of experience in landscape maintenance, agriculture or nurseries with knowledge of plant culture and plant identification, including a minimum of one year of propagation experience.
• Knowledge of naturalistic planting design with emphasis in the seasonal and long-term care for diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs.
• Demonstrated expertise in successfully propagating a wide range of plant materials - including native herbaceous perennials, grasses and woody species - from seeds, cuttings and division. Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse operations, environmental controls, plant production schedules, and practices.
• Commitment to perform any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of garden and overall public park management.
• Must be a collaborative team-player and committed to maintain positive engagement with the public and colleagues.
• Detail-oriented, with proficient organizational skills.
• Commitment to complete and abide by safety training.
• Basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office and Google Suite.

Preferred qualifications 

• Horticulture degree or certificate.
• Class D Drivers’ License valid in the State of New York that must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Experience conducting hands-on propagation workshops.
• Proficiency in operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing drip irrigation systems including the valves and flushing systems.
• Experience working in a crowded urban public park.
• Knowledge of native plants and ecological horticulture.

Required abilities

• Ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs with proper tools and equipment.
• Able to traverse 5-10 miles of the High Line daily.
• Ability to provide verbal and written communication that is clear, concise and accurate.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to operate electric equipment and power tools in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time and sometimes near adjacent construction sites.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays
• Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with Vendor at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to Whitney Museum
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth & Development

About Friends of the High Line

The High Line is a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. Through our work with communities on and off the High Line, we’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors — all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement

Friends of the High Line is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.