Seasonal Horticulturist

Season runs from April 1st through November 27th

Position Summary: 

The Seasonal Horticulturist is responsible for assisting all horticulture field operations under the jurisdiction of Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) to maintain clean, safe, and aesthetic landscapes. The incumbent should be conscious of, sensitive to, and proactive towards making BPCA a model of sustainable practices and kept to the standards in which all those who live, work and visit Battery Park City (BPC) have come to expect. As with all positions, this position will continually exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of BPCA. 

Essential Duties:

The list of essential functions is intended to be representative of tasks performed within this classification and is not exhaustive. The Hourly Horticulturist will be expected to perform reasonable duties assigned to them by team leaders and senior staff.

• Assist in performing tasks as assigned using the best sustainable horticultural practices to maintain and beautify landscapes 
• Remove litter and maintain a high organizational standard of cleanliness.
• Assist in the completion of planting, transplanting, weeding, watering, mulching, composting, raking, pruning, sweeping, deadheading, and other related duties 
• Identify and report park issues timely and appropriately such as, irrigation issues, park violations and safety concerns
• Assist in developing healthy soils, including producing and using compost and compost tea as a biologically rich soil amendment
• Safely and effectively operate and maintain hand tools such as pruners, weeding knives, and handsaws
• Safely and effectively operate powered vehicles and equipment such as electric trucks, leaf blowers, and weed whackers
•  Assist in programmed and permitted events as assigned. Collaborate with other Seasonal Horticulturists, Volunteers and other staff to complete assigned tasks
• Assist in identifying issues of plant health, or other park issues
• Use personal protective equipment as appropriate and maintain a high standard for workplace safe
• Maintain professionalism at all times, including when interacting with the public
• Perform other duties as required within the scope of the position as designated by Supervisor or Manager 
• Perform snow and ice removal, including the use of snow shovels, ice breakers, snow blowers, and salt spreaders on an emergency and non-emergency basis during weekdays and weekends

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma of GED 
• One (1) year of horticultural experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications, higher education and/or trainings relevant to horticulture
• Experience working in public settings  
• Possess a valid US Driver’s License

Skills:

• Ability to work well in a team but also be self-motivated when working independently
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good verbal and writing skills

Physical Requirements: 

• Be willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Stand for long periods of time 
• Perform repetitive movements 
• Must be able to push, pull and lift 50 lbs.
• Use their hands/body to control, use, and feel objects, tools or controls

Battery Park City Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.