Irrigation Manager

Location

New York, New York

Irrigation Manager, Horticulture and Grounds

Exempt, Salaried

Onsite

• Provide strong leadership to a team of 11 direct reports (Local 808) by setting clear goals, expectations, and daily priorities; motivate team members to achieve high performance while fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment
• Identify training and development opportunities, delivering hands‑on coaching and mentorship in irrigation systems, horticulture practices, and operational standards to build a more skilled and self‑sufficient team
• Facilitate clear and consistent communication within the team and across departments, ensuring alignment on priorities, work plans, safety updates, and operational initiatives
• Oversee daily operations and execution of landscape and irrigation work, including scheduling, task assignment, and field coordination in partnership with the Landscape Foreman and Director of Horticulture
• Manage payroll processing and PTO tracking for the grounds team, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to union requirements
• Manage and optimize the Tucor irrigation control system and two‑wire infrastructure, including seasonal programming, troubleshooting, and adjustments to maximize water efficiency and system performance
• Execute irrigation system upgrades and initiatives, including low‑flow nozzle conversions, system improvements, and tracking performance metrics to support departmental water conservation goals
• Ensure irrigation system reliability through preventative maintenance, monthly inspections, and timely resolution of work orders, reducing downtime and repeat failures
• Oversee horticultural operations and landscape quality, including plant health, irrigation alignment, fertilization programs, and coordination of pest management efforts
• Manage inventory and support procurement activities, including ordering materials, maintaining stock levels, and processing and submitting invoices for approval in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting, including irrigation logs, flow tracking, work orders, and system performance data to support operational decision‑making and sustainability reporting

• 5–8+ years of experience in landscape management, irrigation systems, horticulture operations, or a related field
• 3–5+ years of proven leadership experience, preferably managing union (Local 808) teams or large field crews in a commercial or multi‑property environment
• Relevant certifications preferred, such as Irrigation Association (CIT/CID), OSHA 30, or comparable horticultural/irrigation credentials
• Strong leadership abilities with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and hold team members accountable to performance and safety standards
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate across field teams, leadership, contractors, and cross‑functional departments
• Solid understanding of team dynamics and performance management, including scheduling, labor oversight, coaching, and conflict resolution in a union environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, balancing daily operations, long‑term projects, and seasonal demands
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in irrigation control systems (Tucor or similar), work order systems, tracking tools, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to connect with and align teams, ensuring clear communication of priorities, expectations, and operational goals
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to interpret irrigation data, identify inefficiencies, and implement effective, sustainable solutions
• Technical expertise in irrigation systems,…