Job Detail

Director of Horticulture

Location: New York City
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 plus excellent benefits

As the steward of more than 30,000 acres of parkland, the Department of Parks & Recreation (Parks) is a recognized leader and innovator of public spaces. The mission of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources (FHNR) is to protect, restore, expand and manage New York City’s natural spaces and green infrastructure to maximize their benefits and promote their value within and outside of the urban ecosystem. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  www.nyc.gov/parks

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Chief of Forestry & Horticulture, with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, develop, promulgate and uphold standards and protocols for the care and preservation of horticultural installations citywide including development and communication of a vision, goals, policies and performance measurement systems.
• Convene Horticulture Managers working group to provide guidance, coordinate activities, develop policies, and ensure standard application of best practices.
• Research new materials, methods and policies relating to plant care including recommending appropriate plant palettes, integrated pest management, horticulture technologies and methodologies.
• Plan and coordinate horticulture field training, professional development classes and recognition programs within the agency and in collaboration with other institutions as necessary.
• 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 agency at relevant committees, Boards, and working groups.
• Oversee management of the Citywide Nursery in Van Cortland Park that produces plants for agency horticulture projects.
• 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.
• Collaborate with Division senior staff and other Agency divisions including but not limited to Communications, Government Relations, Capital and Borough Operations.  Work with our natural resources team to promote biodiversity throughout the agency.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. A 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.

 

Residency 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 hire for all other candidates.

 

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree with major study in horticulture, nursery production or landscape management.
2. Excellent writing, administrative and inter-personal skills. Strong leadership skills and capacity to reconcile input from multiple stakeholders while meeting overall organizational objectives.
3. Strong knowledge of Parks Management & Operations divisions and/or government operations.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
5. Valid New York State driver license.

 

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 plus excellent benefits

 

Apply by 08/23/19

 

For external applicants, please apply through www.nyc.gov/careers

1. Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search
2. Search for Job ID#: 401425

 

For details about NYC Parks: www.nyc.gov/parks
References will be required upon request.

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