Assistant Horticulturist

Position Summary:

The Assistant Horticulturist is responsible for assisting Horticulturists and Senior Horticulturists in maintaining the landscapes, soils and trees throughout Battery Park City. The Assistant Horticulturist should be aware of sustainable practices and take proactive steps towards applying these practices in their daily work. As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of the organization.

Essential Duties:
• Assist in the horticulture work such as, planting, transplanting, weeding, watering, mulching, chipping, composting, pruning, deadheading, and other related tasks
• Assist in the development of healthy soils through best management practices, including producing and applying compost and compost tea
• Work closely with Seasonal Horticulturists, volunteers and other BPCA staff to complete assigned tasks
• Assist in managing garden spaces, trees and irrigation systems as assigned and identify solutions as appropriate to focus on optimum plant health
• Assist in scouting and reporting potential insect, disease, and other pest problems in line with integrated pest management techniques, including identification and implementation cultural controls
• Assist in updating and maintaining appropriate records and documents
• Remove litter and maintain high organizational standards of cleanliness
• Work closely with other Parks Operations staff and BPCA departments to assist in public educational activities such as garden tours, volunteer groups and public and programmed events
• Safely and effectively operate equipment, , e.g., vehicles, hand tools, power equipment and safety equipment
• Maintain a high standard for safety by timely and safely cautioning off sites for workplace and public safety
• Use personal protective equipment and adhere to all safety rules and regulations
• Identify and report park issues and hazards appropriately and timely
• Perform emergency and non-emergency work as assigned such as work related to programmed and permitted events, field specific issues and severe weather events, e.g., snow and ice removal and flood protection measures as directed
• Maintain professionalism, including when interacting with the public
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in Horticulture and/or related field
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• OSHA 10, certifications, higher education, and/or trainings on relevant skills preferred
• Experience with pest management preferred
• Experience working in public settings and knowledge of sustainability practices preferred

Competencies:
• Detailed oriented
• Problem solving skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Collaborative

Skills:
• Knowledge of horticultural, composting and pest management techniques
• Ability to operate tools and equipment to perform work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good judgement and decision-making skills
• Ability to interact well with staff at all levels of the organization
• Ability to learn new skills and maintain up to date information on relevant skills and techniques
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to work outdoors and in all types of weather
• Stand, sit, and squat for long periods of time
• Perform repetitive movements
• Push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.