Horticultural Technician

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or a closely related field; OR

Two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control; OR

Two years of college study in one of the above specialties and one year of experience as described.

Duties Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Park Manager and/or higher-level personnel, the Horticultural Technician 1 performs a variety of duties relating to the care and maintenance of plantings and vegetation at Roberto Clemente State Park and other state parks in the New York City region. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• While operating in an independent manner, performs planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and trimming of valuable, rare, or specialized trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers.

• Identifying, supervising, or otherwise handling the removal of invasive species.

• Inspecting the operating area to identify potential safety hazards, needs for skilled maintenance, landscaping requirements, litter control, refuse removal, etc.; reporting findings to supervisor(s) and/or taking corrective actions independently, as appropriate.

• Curating outdoor herbaceous and woody plant collections; identifying plant growth, nutritional, insect and disease problems; taking appropriate corrective and remedial action; consulting as needed with supervisor(s); researching and assessing the best horticultural practices for managing the living collections; documenting, reporting, and cataloging plant-related information.

• Selectively pruning plants to correct structural defects, thinning excessive growth within the plant's framework, and removing portions of the plant damaged by disease, storm, or insects to retain or restore the natural form of the plant.

• Selectively formulating and applying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers to plant material to counteract plant nutritional, growth, insect and/or disease problems.

• Developing management plans for outdoor gardens and living collections; maintaining display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking, and fertilization.

• Performing the appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees; performing seasonal landscaping work including planting, pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing, transplanting, and leaf removal.

• Operating and maintaining hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, etc.

• Supervising lower level and seasonal staff and volunteers in the care of plant materials; providing for materials and supplies in support of this work; and assisting with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns.

• Answering questions for park visitors about horticulture, history, design, and general park information; leading horticultural tours and assisting with special programs, as needed.

• Operating light trucks and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties.

• Loading and unloading materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes, as needed, in the performance of duties assigned.

• Performing routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain, and repair associated plantings, buildings, roads, and equipment.

• Maintaining equipment and supplies properly and ensuring they are stored safely.

• Performing snow removal and maintaining grounds and structures as needed.

• Performing other related duties as required.

Additional Comments

OPERATING NEEDS:
• Must possess ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess ability to operate and use lawn/garden equipment and small hand tools safely and effectively.
• Must obtain a PESTICIDE APPLICATOR'S LICENSE (category 3A) within the probationary period and maintain it as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices.
• Must be capable of and willing to learn to competently operate specialized grounds care equipment assigned to the facility such as aerator, power rake, sod cutter, and over-seeder.
• Must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification as a term and condition of employment.
• Must succsessufully complete agency approved chainsaw certification levels 1, 2, and 3 when training is next given.
• Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of trees and shrubs, and who can perform such work with little direct supervision.
• Candidates may be required to report to other facilities throughout the NYC Region on an as-needed basis.

DOWNSTATE ADJUSTMENT: $3,400

BENEFITS INFORMATION:
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
Paid Time Off
• PEF: 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays
• Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development

Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost

Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental / Family Leave

To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 05/08/24

37,448

Bronx, New York United States View Map