Environment and Planning division aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City Parks including green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group’s mission is to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s over 12,000 acres of natural spaces and green infrastructure across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands and wetlands.
Major Responsibilities
• Under general supervision, lead and participate in silviculture, site preparation, invasive species control and other natural areas restoration work throughout New York City with a focus on landscape-scale restoration in Idlewild Park.
• Plant and cultivate trees, flowers and shrubs. Prepare soil and seed beds. Grade, sod, weed, mulch and mow lawns.
• Operate and maintain Parks & Recreation mowing equipment and sprinkler system.
• Supervise employees and volunteers and instruct them in proper gardening techniques and all aspects of general park maintenance.
• Maintain records and prepare written reports, including the regular entry of fieldwork into Access and use of handheld GPS units.
• Interact with staff and the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Manage and supervise volunteer events.
• Coordinate on-site restoration efforts with contractors, park managers, local community groups and other agencies.
Minimum Qual Requirements
1. One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants shrubs and lawns; or
2. A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college-level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to 1 above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in 1 above.
4. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, after meeting the qualification requirements for Gardener – Assignment Level I, candidates must have one additional year of satisfactory, full time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following areas: propagating, planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener – Assignment Level II, candidates must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator – Category 3A License issued by the New York State Department of Environmental conservation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Driver License Requirement: A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Preferred Skills
1. Permanent Gardeners will receive preference in hiring.
2. Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree with emphasis in botany, ecology, forestry and wildlife management or related fields.
3. Experience with hand and power tools used in natural resources work a plus.
4. Chainsaw experience a plus.
5. Familiarity with both native and invasive plant species of the northeastern United States.
6. Ability to safely lift 50 lbs. of weight.
Additional Information
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.
nyc.gov/parks
MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
To Apply
Parks Employees:
1) From a Parks computer: Access Employee Self Service (ESS) from the Parks Intranet under Applications or use this link: https://hrb.nycaps.nycnet/. Once in ESS, go to Careers and search for Job ID# 593168. Do not access ESS using nyc.gov/ess from a Parks computer.
Parks & City Employees:
2) From a Non-Parks computer: Access Employee Self Service (ESS) by going to nyc.gov/ess or use this link: https://a127-ess.nyc.gov/. Once in ESS, go to Careers and search for Job ID# 593168.
Include your ERN and Job ID# 593168 on your cover letter and resume.
All other applicants:
Go to nyc.gov/careers/search and search for Job ID# 593168.
55-a Program
This 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 Svc Loan Forgiveness
As 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 StudentAid.gov/PSLF .
Work Location
Queensbridge, Queens
Residency Requirement
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.
POSTING DATE
07/14/2023
POST UNTIL
07/28/2023
The 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.