Ecological Horticulturist

Title: Ecological Horticulturist

Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round;
Monday – Friday, plus overtime and weekends when needed, Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $24-$27/per hour

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package 60 days following date of hire (health insurance, paid time off, etc.)

Work Location: Randall's Island Park, New York City 10035

Randall's Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, public programs, cultural events, and environmental exploration. The Ecological Horticulturist will report to the Director of Grounds and the Horticulture Manager and work with members of the Horticulture crew to maintain Randall's Island Parks' gardens, meadows, and green streets with an emphasis on ecological landscape management, thoughtful landscape design, and creating attractive, welcoming spaces that enhance the visitor experience.

Randall's Island Park is a dynamic public park and horticulture practices must balance ecological stewardship with aesthetics, functionality, and maintenance needs. The Ecological Horticulturist will also assist with volunteer events, tours, and programming, as needed.

• General maintenance/oversight of all landscapes and gardens including wildflower meadows, woodlands, perennial gardens, and green streets. Tasks include, but are not limited to, plant propagation soil cultivation, digging, deadheading, thinning, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, seed sowing, bed preparation, tree and shrub pruning, planting, and caring for existing gardens
• Apply knowledge of plants, their cultural requirements, and their botanical nomenclature, including protection and transplanting of existing plants, soil preparation, watering fertilization, irrigation, IPM etc.
• Apply an understanding of landscape design and aesthetics when maintaining and developing gardens, meadows, green streets and other areas with consideration to plant composition, color, texture, scale, sightlines and the overall visual experience of park patrons.
• Assist with training and developing seasonal staff members, giving occasional direction.
• Assist with the preparation of programming activities/festivals, as needed.
• Assist with volunteer groups in the meadows and gardens, as needed.
• Provide the Communications team with information for occasional social media posts.
• Support research and data collection projects, including pollinator monitoring, bloom phenology, and vegetation surveys, and work collaboratively with members of the Natural Areas and Park-as-Lab team.
• Maintain horticultural databases with accuracy.
• Hand water and monitor irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought.
• Create and maintain containers for seasonal and holiday visual displays.
• Act as an ambassador for Randall's Island, answering questions from visitors, including horticulture, park design, history, and general information.
• Operate hand tools and basic power machinery, including hedge trimmers, weed whackers, and leaf blowers and will report need for replacement or repairs to Management.
• Drive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
• General clean-up of garden beds and paths, including litter removal.
• Ensure all equipment is secure and well-maintained.
• Perform all other general tasks as assigned.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

• B.A. in Public Horticulture or related fields OR equivalent horticulture certificate/coursework OR 3 years hands-on experience in horticulture/landscaping.
• Strong gardening skills and familiarity with gardening tools.
• Knowledge in management and maintenance techniques of native ecosystems.
• Strong native/non-native, perennial/annual, tree/shrub and weed identification skills.
• Integrated pest management skills and techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding of ecological practices.
• Ability to balance mindful ecological practices with design, aesthetics and visitor experience.
• Knowledge of invasive weeds and ecological techniques.
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to use light power equipment and tools.
• Ability to shift priorities and focus, when needed.
• Ability to collaborate and create…