Horticulture and Grounds Manager
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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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following list of essential functions is intended to be representative of tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are essential to the completion of work associated with the position.

• 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 measures where applicable.
• Assist in maintaining planting beds and irrigation systems throughout RIOC Parks in a sustainable way to the highest horticulture and turf practices. Monitor the health of plants/ trees, detect health challenges, and if necessary, use the least toxic controls for pests and diseases. Keep detailed records of all issues and solutions and fulfill mandatory reporting and communication requirements.
• Manage and utilize the budget assigned effectively to assist with the purchase of materials and supplies needed daily operations. Track expenditures in accordance with procurement practices to facilitate internal audits as required.
• Attend and participate in designated meetings to represent the Horticultures and Grounds department.
• Required to work weekends and some holidays as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent supervisory, writing, communication, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment to pursue positive outcomes.
• Experience managing union staff.
• Experience coordinating operations for special events.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and experience with other common software.
• The ability to work with other department leaders to achieve success as a team on a day-to-day basis.

· Experience driving grounds equipment (mower, Skid steer, plow).

· Experience with irrigation scheduling and repair.

· Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean record.

· ISA Arborist Certification, preferred but not mandatory.

· NYS DEC pesticide certification category 3A required.

· Willingness to learn and to train others.

Requirements:

· Willing and able to work outdoors in any/all weather conditions.

· Able to be on your feet for most of the day if needed.

· Ability to lift up to 50lbs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate must have a broad range of skills, but above all, they must be curious, flexible thinkers who love learning new things and tackling challenges daily. In addition, the preferred candidate should possess the following:

1. A degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Horticulture, Turfgrass or a closely related field and five (5) years of full-time satisfactory professional supervisory and administrative experience in a park and/or facility management, preferably in public setting. Excellent knowledge of arboriculture and turfgrass is required. Horticulture and/or turfgrass degrees and certifications are preferred. Thorough knowledge of tree care and turfgrass is required, with additional proficiency in event planning, sustainable landscaping maintenance practices, synthetic turf field grooming, and preventative maintenance preferred.

2. An associate's degree or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education, or a recognized accrediting organization and seven (7) years of full-time satisfactory experience as described in 1 above.

What we offer:

Excellent benefits package including: medical, dental, and vision, paid holidays, sick and vacation days, commuter benefits, participation in the New York State Pension System, flexible spending accounts, EAP, LTD and Life Insurance Programs, an exciting work environment with a beautiful view of Manhattan and Long Island City.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should forward cover letter and resume to: ...@rioc.ny.gov with subject line reading “Horticulture & Grounds Manager”

RIOC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on candidates based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, military status or any other protected characteristic.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant has been extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) ###-####.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionManagement and Manufacturing
• IndustriesGovernment Administration

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