Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleHorticultural Technician 2
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $43970 to $43970 Annually
"Other" Explanation Typically Monday-Friday with nights/weekends/holidays if needed.
Workday
Minimum Qualifications Either 1. four years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control. This experience must include one year of supervisory experience;*
Or 2. Associate's Degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field and two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control;*
Or 3. a bachelor's or higher-level degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field.*
*NOTE: Individuals appointed provisionally must take and pass a Civil Service examination for this position and be reachable; i.e., be one of the top three (3) candidates on the resulting eligible list willing to accept the position
Duties Description Under the supervision of the Horticultural Technician 3, Assistant Director and/or higher-level personnel, the Horticultural Technician 2 will perform a variety of duties relating to the care and maintenance of plantings, gardens, vegetation and in and around the greenhouse and park grounds at Planting Fields Arboretum.
1. Operating in an independent manner, including starting plants from seed, performs horticultural tasks including planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and trimming of valuable, rare, or specialized (Tropical and subtropical) trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers (Annuals and perennials) 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 both indoor and outdoor herbaceous and woody plant collections; monitors plant growth, required nutrients, 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 to record and evaluate the cultivation and enhancement of pertinent plant collections; takes soil samples and performs soil analysis; implements soil management plan as needed;
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, storms, or insects 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 and improve plant health; Practices Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce pesticide use when possible.
6. Develops management plans for both indoor and outdoor gardens and displays; 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, and lawn maintenance;
8. Operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as pruning equipment, soil cultivators, rototillers, mowers, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, utility carts, etc.
9. Supervises subordinate 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. Operates light trucks, tractors with implements and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties;
11. May be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned;
12. Performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, pathways, and equipment.
13. Maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely;
14. Performs snow and ice control measures around the greenhouse as needed.
15. Formulates budgets, solicits bids and procures related materials and supplies and submits to supervisor for approval while following NYS purchasing guidelines.
Additional Comments Operational Needs:
- Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License as a term and condition of employment.
- Selected candidate must obtain a Pesticide Technician’s License (category 3A and 3C) within 6 months of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. Selected candidate must upgrade to a commercial applicator’s license within two years of appointment and maintain it 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 communicate effectively with other staff and with park patrons. Ability to read, comprehend and prepare written materials.
- Ability to safely and effectively operate and use landscape/garden equipment and small hand tools
- Employee must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices which must be utilized.
- Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials and who can perform such work with little direct supervision.
- Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address LI.employment@parks.ny.gov
Address
625 Belmont Ave.
Notes on ApplyingIf you feel you meet the minimum qualifications, the Agency operating needs, and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, you can obtain an Employment Application from your local park office, your region’s administrative headquarters or download an application from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/employment/FillableUpdatedParksEmployeeApplicationS1000Part1LongIsland.pdf
Please forward your application and resume, if available, to either:
Mail: Janet Grant, Personnel Office, 625 Belmont Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704
Email: LI.employment@parks.ny.gov