Horticulturist

Job Description

Job Description

The horticulturist is an employee of Friends of the High Line and an integral part of the park’s Operations team. Under the general supervision of the Senior Director of Horticulture and the Senior Horticulture Manager, the horticulturist is responsible for the year-round care and maintenance of assigned garden zone including all aspects of monitoring, caring for, and reporting on diverse plantings of herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, irrigation and hardscape elements, as well as supporting public use of the park and the High Line’s horticulture related events and programs.

This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt position.

The hourly rate for this position is $30/hour.

This position will report to the Horticulture Manager.

Garden Zone Maintenance

• Care for and maintain the health and aesthetic of plant beds and their surrounding landscapes in the assigned garden zone in accordance with organizational standards and established schedules.
• Perform daily tasks including planting, dividing and transplanting, deadheading, pruning, editing, grooming, mulching and weeding.
• Monitor plants and soil moisture daily, and hand water as needed.
• Monitor irrigation programs daily; troubleshoot and report issues; repair minor leaks and breakages as needed.
• Maintain plant health through Integrated Pest Management principles including scouting, identifying, reporting, and documenting pests and diseases.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety of the assigned garden zone through daily morning walkthrough, including clearing damage, debris and litter.
• Repair minor plant bed damages due to extreme weather, construction disturbance and visitor intrusion.
• Maintain horticulture related hardscape such as signages and plant bed protections, including repair, replacement and installation.
• Inventory, maintain, store and stage tools, equipment and supplies for daily horticulture operations.
• Operate power tools and equipment after requisite training and in accordance with the High Line’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate parks’ vehicles including utility vehicle and pick-up truck when requested.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Communication and Teamwork

• Give updates to the Senior Director of Horticulture, Senior Horticulture Manager, Senior Horticulture Supervisor and Horticulture Supervisor on landscape issues and work status as requested.
• Provide detailed and timely instructions to seasonal gardeners, interns and volunteers with regards to their work assignments.
• Report, document, and catalog landscape maintenance information according to the established schedules and communication protocols, including weekly work report, planting task report, etc.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Horticulture, Senior Horticulture Manager, Senior Horticulture Supervisor and Horticulture Supervisor and other horticulture staff to achieve strategic departmental goals.
• Support projects such as green waste management, plant deliveries, operation space and storage clean-up, irrigation maintenance, tree pruning and removal, ice and snow removal, propagation and Spring Cutback.
• Support training and initial orientation of seasonal gardeners, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintain the department’s storage and operation space with attention to cleanliness and safety.
• Contribute discussion items to daily and weekly horticulture meeting agenda.
• Attend scheduled meetings as part of the High Line Horticulture team and Operations department.
• Support various tasks as needed.

Horticulture Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for Friends of the High Line, answering park visitors’ questions about horticulture, High Line history, design, and general park information. Guide park tours when requested.
• Support horticulture related activities, events and programs such as corporate partners and members events, education and community events, and volunteer programs.
• Assist with the development, organization, and implementation of horticulture programs, publications and tours.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They also include seeking out a diversity of experiences; in listening, respecting, and learning from multiple voices, perspectives, and modes of participation.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people from a broad range of lived experiences, including members of historically marginalized communities.

Desired experience of a sucessful candidate may include the following, but candidates will not be screened exclusively based on meeting these qualifications:

Ideal Experience

• Two or more years of experience in landscape maintenance, agriculture or nurseries with knowledge of plant culture and plant identification.
• Knowledge of naturalistic planting design with emphasis in the seasonal and long-term care for diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs.
• Commitment to perform any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of garden and overall public park management.
• Must be a collaborative team-player and committed to maintain positive engagement with the public and colleagues.
• Detail-oriented, with proficient organizational skills.
• Commitment to complete and abide by safety training.
• Basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office and Google Suite.

Preferred qualifications:

• Horticulture degree or certificate.
• Class D Drivers’ License valid in the State of New York that must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Proficiency in operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing drip irrigation systems including the valves and flushing systems.
• Experience working in a crowded urban public park.
• Knowledge of native plants and ecological horticulture.

Abilities

• Ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs with proper tools and equipment.
• Able to traverse 5-10 miles of the High Line daily.
• Ability to provide verbal and written communication that is clear, concise and accurate.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to operate electric equipment and power tools in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time and sometimes near adjacent construction sites.

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

Benefits

• 20 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 9 paid holidays

• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounted Citi Bike membership
• Employee Assistance Program