Director of Horticulture

ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEESMajor ResponsibilitiesUnder general direction, with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision, provide dynamic leadership in maintaining and improving borough horticultural sites, the Borough horticultural facility and the growing Borough horticultural operation.Manage and motivate assigned staff to meet agency objectives. Help plan and implement staff training programs and perform staff evaluations. Communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of management.Provide bi-weekly status reports to the Borough management team and the Horticulture team on horticultural conditions and issues.Manage the greenhouse including seed and other propagation methods to optimize plant production. Ensure proper environmental controls to control pests and maintain desired growing environment.Approve the borough's planting plan including sites and designs for all new horticultural installations.Supervise the Borough's lawn and athletic field maintenance programs.Track and report all plant installations and plantings in the borough.Oversee the Borough's horticulture budget and orders for plants, pesticides, tools, equipment, and other resources.Manage the Borough's pesticide and rodenticide program, including material orders, equipment, application, tracking and reporting in compliance with state and city rules.Facilitate and monitor the Borough's compost operations, including increasing efficiency and scale of operation.Respond to the needs of community organizations, partnership groups and public officials.Manage and direct complex horticulture projects that require prompt attention and resolution. Coordinate and develop sustainable horticulture projects for volunteers.Work closely with Maintenance and Operations staff to promote and improve the Borough's horticulture operation.Research new materials, methods and policies relating to plant care including recommending appropriate plant palettes, integrated pest management, horticulture technologies and methodologies.Perform horticulture tasks as necessary including consultation for special projects.Prepare briefings, reports, analyses, evaluations, and correspondence. Provide regular updates on the status of various projects and programs and ensure that projects advance in a timely manner. Represent the Agency at relevant committees, Community Boards, and working groups.Review capital plans and specifications for horticulture elements, make recommendations and provide advice.Respond to emergencies and attend calls at all times of the day.Work Location: BronxMinimum QualificationsA baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major study in horticulture, arboriculture, or landscape architecture and four years of full-time, paid experience in horticultural work of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive capacity; or 2. A satisfactory equivalent. However, all candidates must have at least a high school diploma or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma and one year of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive experience as described above.Preferred SkillsExcellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.Experience managing field staff and/or volunteers.Experience performing removals, decorative plantings, lawn restoration and park clean-ups.Can work effectively as part of a team and independently.Valid New York State driver license.55a ProgramThis position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.Public Service Loan ForgivenessAs a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.Residency RequirementResidency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required within 90 days of hiring for all other candidates.Additional InformationThe City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.J-18808-Ljbffr