StateJobsNY
Horticultural Technician 2 (NY HELPS) - Long Island
StateJobsNY, Oyster Bay, New York, United States, 11771
Horticultural Technician 2
Under the supervision of the Horticultural Technician 3, Assistant Director and/or higher-level personnel, the Horticultural Technician 2 will perform a variety of duties relating to the care and maintenance of plantings, gardens, vegetation and in and around the greenhouse and park grounds at Planting Fields Arboretum. Operating in an independent manner, including starting plants from seed, performs horticultural tasks including planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and trimming of valuable, rare, or specialized (Tropical and subtropical) trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers (Annuals and perennials) and identifies and supervises or otherwise handles the removal of invasive species. Inspects the operating area to identify potential safety hazards, needs for skilled maintenance, landscaping requirements, litter control, refuse removal, etc., report findings to supervisor(s) and/or undertakes corrective action. Curates both indoor and outdoor herbaceous and woody plant collections; monitors plant growth, required nutrients, insect and disease problems, taking the appropriate corrective and remedial action, consulting as needed with supervisor(s); researches and assesses the best horticultural practices for managing the living collections; documents, reports, and catalogs plant-related information to record and evaluate the cultivation and enhancement of pertinent plant collections; takes soil samples and performs soil analysis; implements soil management plan as needed. Selectively prunes plants to correct structural defects, to thin excessive growth within the plant's framework and to remove portions of the plant damaged by disease, storms, or insects to retain or restore the natural form of the plant. Selectively formulates and applies herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers to plant material to counteract insect and/or disease problems and improve plant health; Practices Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce pesticide use when possible. Develops management plans for both indoor and outdoor gardens and displays; maintains display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking and fertilization. Performs appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees; performs seasonal landscaping work including planting, pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting, leaf removal, and lawn maintenance. Operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as pruning equipment, soil cultivators, rototillers, mowers, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, utility carts, etc. Supervises subordinate staff and volunteers in the care of plant material and provides for materials and supplies in support of this work; assists with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns. Operates light trucks, tractors with implements and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties. May be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned. Performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, pathways, and equipment. Maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely. Performs snow and ice control measures around the greenhouse as needed. Formulates budgets, solicits bids and procures related materials and supplies and submits to supervisor for approval while following NYS purchasing guidelines. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications PERMANENT NON-COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT VIA NY HELPS: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*** To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Either 1. Four years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control. This experience must include one year of supervisory experience; Or 2. An associate's or higher-level degree and two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control; Or 3. A bachelor's or higher-level degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field. PERMANENT APPOINTMENT VIA LIST OR TRANSFER: To be considered for permanent appointment, candidates must be reachable on the current Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Note: Consecutive transfers resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades are not permitted under Civil Service Law. PERMANENT APPOINTMENT VIA NON-COMPETITIVE PROMOTION: If three or fewer qualified New York State OPRHP Horticultural Technician 1 candidates respond to this notice, the agency may, at its discretion, nominate a qualified employee for a permanent non-competitive promotion under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law. PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT: Candidates may be appointed on a provisional* basis by meeting the following open competitive minimum qualifications: Either 1. Four years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control. This experience must include one year of supervisory experience; Or 2. An associate's or higher-level degree and two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control; Or 3. A bachelor's or higher-level degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field; Or 4. A current qualified employee of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with one year of permanent non-competitive service as a Horticultural Technician 1, SG-8. *NOTE: Individuals appointed provisionally must take and pass a Civil Service examination for this position and be reachable; i.e., be one of the top three (3) candidates on the resulting eligible list willing to accept the position. Candidates who do not pass the examination or who do not achieve a reachable score may not be retained. Additional Comments OPERATING NEEDS: Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator's License as a term and condition of employment. Selected candidate must obtain a Pesticide Technician's License (category 3A and 3C) within 6 months of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. Selected candidate must upgrade to a commercial applicator's license within two years of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Ability to safely and effectively operate and use landscape/garden equipment and small hand tools Employee must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices which must be utilized. Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials and who can perform such work with little direct supervision. Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification. Willingness to work a Sunday-Thursday schedule as needed.
Positions located within Nassau County, are also eligible to receive an additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment.
BENEFITS: Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including: Paid Time Off 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development Health Care Benefits: Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost Additional Benefits: New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership NYS Deferred Compensation Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Paid Parental / Family Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx
Under the supervision of the Horticultural Technician 3, Assistant Director and/or higher-level personnel, the Horticultural Technician 2 will perform a variety of duties relating to the care and maintenance of plantings, gardens, vegetation and in and around the greenhouse and park grounds at Planting Fields Arboretum. Operating in an independent manner, including starting plants from seed, performs horticultural tasks including planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and trimming of valuable, rare, or specialized (Tropical and subtropical) trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers (Annuals and perennials) and identifies and supervises or otherwise handles the removal of invasive species. Inspects the operating area to identify potential safety hazards, needs for skilled maintenance, landscaping requirements, litter control, refuse removal, etc., report findings to supervisor(s) and/or undertakes corrective action. Curates both indoor and outdoor herbaceous and woody plant collections; monitors plant growth, required nutrients, insect and disease problems, taking the appropriate corrective and remedial action, consulting as needed with supervisor(s); researches and assesses the best horticultural practices for managing the living collections; documents, reports, and catalogs plant-related information to record and evaluate the cultivation and enhancement of pertinent plant collections; takes soil samples and performs soil analysis; implements soil management plan as needed. Selectively prunes plants to correct structural defects, to thin excessive growth within the plant's framework and to remove portions of the plant damaged by disease, storms, or insects to retain or restore the natural form of the plant. Selectively formulates and applies herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers to plant material to counteract insect and/or disease problems and improve plant health; Practices Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce pesticide use when possible. Develops management plans for both indoor and outdoor gardens and displays; maintains display beds through weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, edging, raking and fertilization. Performs appropriate soil preparation and planting of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees; performs seasonal landscaping work including planting, pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting, leaf removal, and lawn maintenance. Operates and maintains hand and portable power tools and motorized equipment such as pruning equipment, soil cultivators, rototillers, mowers, sprayers, saws, tillers, trimmers, utility carts, etc. Supervises subordinate staff and volunteers in the care of plant material and provides for materials and supplies in support of this work; assists with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns. Operates light trucks, tractors with implements and other motor vehicles as required in the performance of duties. May be required to load and unload materials, tools and equipment of varying weights and sizes as needed in the performance of duties assigned. Performs routine manual maintenance tasks required to develop, maintain and repair associated plantings, buildings, pathways, and equipment. Maintains equipment and supplies properly and ensures that they are stored safely. Performs snow and ice control measures around the greenhouse as needed. Formulates budgets, solicits bids and procures related materials and supplies and submits to supervisor for approval while following NYS purchasing guidelines. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications PERMANENT NON-COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT VIA NY HELPS: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*** To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Either 1. Four years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control. This experience must include one year of supervisory experience; Or 2. An associate's or higher-level degree and two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control; Or 3. A bachelor's or higher-level degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field. PERMANENT APPOINTMENT VIA LIST OR TRANSFER: To be considered for permanent appointment, candidates must be reachable on the current Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Note: Consecutive transfers resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades are not permitted under Civil Service Law. PERMANENT APPOINTMENT VIA NON-COMPETITIVE PROMOTION: If three or fewer qualified New York State OPRHP Horticultural Technician 1 candidates respond to this notice, the agency may, at its discretion, nominate a qualified employee for a permanent non-competitive promotion under the provisions of Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law. PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT: Candidates may be appointed on a provisional* basis by meeting the following open competitive minimum qualifications: Either 1. Four years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control. This experience must include one year of supervisory experience; Or 2. An associate's or higher-level degree and two years of technical experience in horticulture, plant propagation, nursery, or greenhouse work*, which includes plant pest and disease detection and control; Or 3. A bachelor's or higher-level degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, or an agricultural related field; Or 4. A current qualified employee of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with one year of permanent non-competitive service as a Horticultural Technician 1, SG-8. *NOTE: Individuals appointed provisionally must take and pass a Civil Service examination for this position and be reachable; i.e., be one of the top three (3) candidates on the resulting eligible list willing to accept the position. Candidates who do not pass the examination or who do not achieve a reachable score may not be retained. Additional Comments OPERATING NEEDS: Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator's License as a term and condition of employment. Selected candidate must obtain a Pesticide Technician's License (category 3A and 3C) within 6 months of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. Selected candidate must upgrade to a commercial applicator's license within two years of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor and to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Ability to safely and effectively operate and use landscape/garden equipment and small hand tools Employee must be qualified and medically cleared to wear a respirator and have knowledge of good safety practices which must be utilized. Preference will be given to individuals with progressive experience in the care of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials and who can perform such work with little direct supervision. Selected candidate must complete CPR/AED training within the probationary period and must maintain the certification. Willingness to work a Sunday-Thursday schedule as needed.
Positions located within Nassau County, are also eligible to receive an additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment.
BENEFITS: Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including: Paid Time Off 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development Health Care Benefits: Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost Additional Benefits: New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership NYS Deferred Compensation Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Paid Parental / Family Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx