Horticultural Technician 2

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Provisional
Candidates may be appointed on a provisional* basis by meeting the following open competitive 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. An associate's or higher-level degree 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;
Or 4. A current qualified employee of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with one year of permanent non-competitive service as a Horticultural Technician 1, SG-8.

• 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. Candidates who do not pass the examination or who do not achieve a reachable score may not be retained.

Permanent via Non-Competitive Promotion
If three or fewer New York State OPRHP promotional candidates respond to this notice, the agency may, at its discretion, nominate a qualified employee for a permanent non-competitive promotion under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law.

Under the supervision of the Physical Plant Manager and/or higher-level personnel, this position is located at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and also assists other state parks in the New York City Region. The Horticultural Technician 2 will perform the following duties:

• Provides general horticultural services to the Park.
• Supervises, trains, and schedules skilled and semi-skilled employees and volunteers.
• Supervises lower level, seasonal staff and volunteers in the care of plant material.
• Assists with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns.
• Prepares sketches and schematics for Horticultural Technicians 1 and grounds staff to plant and construct gardens.
• Experiments with a wide variety of plants to determine those most suitable for a site or region.
• Determines regional planting needs, develops propagation schedules, orders materials, and supervises propagation of plants, trees, and shrubs for a region or major site.
• Develops and implements integrated pest management systems.
• Advises maintenance and grounds staff regarding care and maintenance of plants and grounds.
• Supervises and maintains greenhouses and related equipment.
• Directs the maintenance and care of gardens, programs and/or structures, as needed.
• Performs snow and ice control measures.
• Operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, etc.
• Operates light trucks and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties.
• May be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned.
• Performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, roads and equipment.
• Provides for materials and supplies in support of this work.
• Maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely.
• Answers questions for park visitors about horticulture, history, design, and general park information.
• Leads horticultural tours and assists with special programs, as needed.
• Works closely with volunteers, the community, and vendors to ensure the Agency’s mission is always met.
• Performs other related duties as required.

OPERATING NEEDS:

• 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 APPLICATOR'S LICENSE (category 3A) within 6 months of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment.
• Employee must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices, which must be utilized.
• Selected candidate must be capable and willing to learn to competently operate specialized grounds care equipment assigned to the facility such as aerator, power rake, sod cutter and over-seeder.
• Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification as a term and condition of employment.
• Incumbent is required to take and pass Chainsaw Certification - levels 1, 2, 3, when training is given, as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be able to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with other staff and with park patrons. Ability to read, comprehend and prepare written materials.
• Must be able to operate and use lawn/garden equipment and small hand tools safely and effectively.
• Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of trees and shrubs, and to those who are able perform such work with little direct supervision.
• Must be willing and able to support projects and operating needs at additional parks throughout the New York City Region.
• Daytime, weekend, holiday, and evening work is required.

BENEFITS:
There are various benefits that a permanent employee is entitled to, based on their negotiating unit:

• Vacation, Holiday, Sick, And Personal Leave
• Health Care Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Payroll Deduction Savings Plans
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program (EWP)

To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx
The posted hiring rate is the sum of the statutory PEF SG-14 ($45,289) and he downstate adjustment ($3,087). The posted job rate is the sum of the statutory job rate ($58,016) and the downstate adjustment ($3,087).