Horticultural Technician 2, SG-12

Provide general horticultural services to the Park.
• Supervise, train, and schedule skilled and semi-skilled employees and volunteers.
• Prepare sketches and schematics for seasonal / full time staff and grounds staff to plant and construct gardens.
• Experiment with a wide variety of plants to determine those most suitable for a site or region.
• Determine regional planting needs, develop propagation schedules, order materials, and supervise propagation of plants, trees, and shrubs for a region or major site.
• Develop and implement integrated pest management systems.
• Advise maintenance and grounds staff regarding plant and grounds care and maintenance.
• Supervise and maintain greenhouses and related equipment.
• Directs the maintenance and care of gardens or programs and structures as needed.
• Operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, etc.
• Supervises lower level, seasonal staff and volunteers in the care of plant material.
• Provides for materials and supplies in support of this work.
• Assists with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns.
• Answers questions for park visitors about horticulture, history and design, and general park information.
• Leads horticultural tours and assists with special programs, as needed.
• Operates light trucks and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties.
• May be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned.
• Performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, roads and equipment.
• Maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely.
• Performs snow and ice control measures and maintains grounds and structures as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

OPERATING NEEDS:
• Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License to operate a vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• 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.
• Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification as a term and condition of employment.
• Incumbent is required to take and pass chainsaw certification - levels 1, 2, 3 when training is given as a term and condition of employment
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate and use lawn/garden equipment and small hand tools safely and effectively
• Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of trees & shrubs, and who are able perform such work with little direct supervision.
• Willingness and ability to support projects and operating needs at additional parks throughout the New York City Region Daytime, weekend, holiday, and evening work is required.