Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleHorticultural Technician 1
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $30126 to $38848 Annually
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 Under the supervision of the Park Manager and/or higher level personnel, the Horticultural Technician 1 will perform a variety of duties relating to the care and maintenance of plantings and vegetation at Roberto Clemente State Park and may assist at other state parks in the New York City region.
1. operating in an independent manner, does planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning and trimming of valuable, rare or specialized trees, shrubs, vines and flowers and identifies and supervises or otherwise handles the removal of invasive species;
2. inspects the operating area to identify potential safety hazards, needs for skilled maintenance, landscaping requirements, litter control, refuse removal, etc., report findings to supervisor(s) and/or undertakes corrective action;
3. curates outdoor herbaceous and woody plant collections; identifies plant growth, nutritional, insect and disease problems, taking the appropriate corrective and remedial action, consulting as needed with supervisor(s); researches and assesses the best horticultural practices for managing the living collections; documents, reports, and catalogs plant-related information;
4. selectively prunes plants to correct structural defects, to thin excessive growth within the plant's framework and to remove portions of the plant damaged by disease, storm or insects in order to retain or restore the natural form of the plant;
5. selectively formulates and applies herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers to plant material to counteract insect and/or disease problems;
6. develops management plans for outdoor gardens and living collections; maintains display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking and fertilization;
7. performs appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees; performs seasonal landscaping work including planting, pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting, leaf removal;
8. operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, etc.
9. supervises lower level and seasonal staff and volunteers in the care of plant material, and provides for materials and supplies in support of this work; assists with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns;
10. answers questions for park visitors about horticulture, history and design, and general park information; leads horticultural tours and assists with special programs, as needed;
11. operates light trucks and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties;
12. may be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned;
13. performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, roads and equipment;
14. maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely;
15. performs snow and ice control measures and maintains grounds and structures as needed;
16. performs other related duties as required.
Additional Comments OPERATING NEEDS:
- Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
- Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License as a term and condition of employment.
- Ability to communicate orally with other staff and with park patrons. Ability to read, comprehend and prepare written materials.
- Ability to safely and effectively operate and use lawn/garden equipment and small hand tools
- Selected candidate must obtain a PESTICIDE APPLICATOR'S LICENSE (category 3A) within 6 months of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment.
- Employee must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices which must be utilized.
- Selected candidate 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.
- Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of trees & shrubs --and have the ability to perform such work with little direct supervision.
- Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification.
- Incumbent is required to take and pass chainsaw certification - levels 1, 2, 3 when training is given.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe his or her experience, and demonstrate that he or she meets minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Amy.Murray@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street NYC Regional Business Office, NYS Parks and Recreation
163 West 125th Street, 17th Floor
Notes on ApplyingIf you feel you meet the minimum qualifications and the Agency operating needs and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, you can obtain an Employment Application from your local park office, the NYC Regional Business Office or download an application from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at www.nysparks.com.
*There is a $3,026 annual downstate salary adjustment for this position.