Park Recreation Aide 5 - Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities are, but not limited to:

• While operating in an independent manner, performs planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and trimming of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and crop plants once trained.
• 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, etc.; reporting findings to supervisor(s) and/or taking corrective actions independently, as appropriate.
• Maintaining planted beds andfarm field through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching,edging, and raking.
• Operating and maintaining hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, etc.
• Answering questions for park visitors about horticulture, history, and general information, and providing rule enforcement.
• 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 including litter removal.
• 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.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.  If not licensed at the time of appointment, the appointee must obtain a driver’s license without restrictions or conditions within the term of probation
• Must be able to write and communicate proficiently in English. The ability to communicate in Spanish is helpful but not required.
• Prior grounds maintenance experience preferred.
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, work independently and set priorities as assigned by supervisor.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Must be willing to support additional tasks and projects as assigned and be willing to occasionally support tasks and projects at other New York State Parks’ work sites in the New York City Region.
• Must be able to work m i n. 40 hours a week, including weekends as needed, with occasional extended hours if needed.