Horticulture & Grounds Manager

Compensation: $85,000 - $90,000/Annually

TITLE: Horticulture & Grounds Manager

DEPARTMENT: Horticulture & Grounds

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 - $90,000/Annually

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is a public benefit corporation and politic arm of New York State, whose mission is to develop, maintain, and operate the infrastructure of Roosevelt Island. As part of this mandate, RIOC operates and maintains several facilities including the Cultural Center, Sportspark, and the Motorgate Garage; as well as other outdoor spaces such as Firefighter’s Field, Southpoint Park, and Lighthouse Park, among other facilities and locations.

Infrastructure operations also include the Aerial Tramway, and a free Red Bus Service that stops at various points on Roosevelt Island; and a Public Safety Department that serves as the community’s first responders in coordination with the New York City Police Department. RIOC’s workforce is also comprised of union workers from Local 210, 32BJ, PSOB, and other administrative staff.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is a subdivision of the State of New York. The corporation is entrusted with maintaining, developing, and preserving the properties and open spaces on Roosevelt Island. The incumbent is a part of the Roosevelt Island management team, responsible for ensuring the island’s parks and open spaces remain safe and clean for users.

Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture & Grounds, the Horticulture & Grounds Manager will implement and oversee day-to-day operations necessary to ensure open spaces, garden areas, athletic fields, parks, the promenade, and Main Street are kept in excellent condition using environmentally friendly and creative methodologies. The Horticulture & Grounds Manager assists with managing and overseeing the maintenance of specialized plantings, open areas, trees, garden areas, athletic fields, comfort stations, playgrounds, courts, waste management and snow removal.

This position requires occasional weekend and holiday commitments.

• Coordinate staff and resources to effectively maintain Island parks, comfort stations and grounds to the highest standard on a daily and ongoing basis. This includes staff assignments, event support and daily tasks beyond routine duties.
• Supervise and oversee Groundskeepers under the 32BJ union contract, as well as staff and services provided by outside contractors. Assign daily tasks to ensure timely resolution of maintenance and safety issues. Coordinate resources to maintain park facilities efficiently and provide training to staff as needed to meet goals and standards.
• Create and maintain staff schedules to ensure a smooth seven-day operation.
• Assist in Scheduling outside contract work and staff as needed to meet goals and standards.
• Coordinate assigned procurement and management of materials, supplies, and equipment for daily tasks and projects. Monitor and report stock levels and equipment condition promptly to ensure operational efficiency.
• Coordinate assigned procurement and management of materials, supplies, and equipment for daily tasks and projects. Monitor and report stock levels and equipment condition promptly to ensure operational efficiency.
• Continue to facilitate a successful waste and compost removal strategy for Island-wide trash receptacles, coordinate with DSNY to seek out advances in waste management and identify opportunities to improve best practices.
• Manage and execute emergency and weather-related event plans, overseeing both preparation and response efforts. Assist in implementing island-wide snow removal procedures and collaborate with DSNY when needed.
• Coordinate with the Director of Horticulture and Grounds and other appropriate staff for RIOC sponsored events. Supervise staff during events as needed.
• Maintain timekeeping and other staff-related recordkeeping. Uphold and enforce policies, procedures, and organizational guidelines. Confer with HR on personnel, disciplinary, and/or performance matters.
• Maintain equipment records of upkeep, inventory, coordinate service with internal or external parties, implement preventative maintenance…