The Division of Environment and Planning aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City’s green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. Greenbelt Native Plant Center provides native plants and seeds from local plant populations in support of the restoration and management of the City’s natural areas.
Major Responsibilities
• Assist with all aspects of greenhouse plant production: weeding, watering, fertilizing; moving of stock; pulling of stock to fill orders.
• Assist in nursery yard maintenance involving identifying and controlling invasive species, removing debris and trash, weed whacking, mowing lawn areas, maintenance of hoop houses and irrigation systems.
• Assist in the transplanting and step up of nursery and greenhouse starter materials, preparation of soil mixes and potting operations.
• Assist with preparation, maintenance, harvesting and cleaning of foundation seed plots. Assist with wild seed collections making off-site visits to natural areas- recognize species, determine seed maturity, and follow all protocols.
• Assist in and perform tasks involved in the operation and care of hand and power tools and equipment. Make necessary operating adjustments to same; report needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor.
• Drive vehicles and operate certain other motorized equipment including mowers, tractors, and two-cycle equipment such as hedge-trimmers.
• Enter field work information into spreadsheets or web-based databases in a timely manner after work is completed. Interact with staff and the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Perform inventory and record keeping, research and implementation of best practices in a growing program to promote the use of seed for restoration.
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. Ability to drive to locations in all five boroughs.
2. Familiarity with both native and invasive plant species of the northeastern United States.
3. Willing to learn identification of plant species in production and discern which are weeds and which are not.
4. Experience with operation and basic maintenance of farm machinery including tractors, implements, and seed cleaning machines.
5. Familiarity with agricultural best practices for small-scale organic production of seed crops.
6. Ability to work outside and perform physical labor with little supervision.
7. 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.
www.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# 595301. 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# 595301.
Include your ERN and Job ID# 595301 on your cover letter and resume.
All other applicants:
Go to nyc.gov/careers/search and search for Job ID# 595301.
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
Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island
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
07/28/2023
POST UNTIL
08/11/2023
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.