Seasonal Horticulturist

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 Seasonal Horticulturists should be aware of sustainable practices and take proactive steps towards applying these principles in their daily work. As with all positions at BPCA, this position will continuously exemplify and promote the core values, mission, and culture of the organization

Essential Duties: 

• 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, and other park issues
• Use personal protective equipment as appropriate and maintain a high standard for workplace safety
• Always maintain professionalism, including when interacting with the public
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Education and Experience:  

• High School Diploma or GED
• One (1) year of horticultural experience certifications, higher education, and/or trainings relevant to horticulture preferred
• Experience working in public settings preferred
• Possess a valid US Driver’s License preferred 

Skills: 

• Ability to work in a team but also be self-motivated when working independently
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Stand for long periods of time
• Perform repetitive movements
• Push, pull, and lift 50 lbs.
• Must have the physical ability and desire to work in public spaces