Horticulture Manager

Horticulture Manager

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to maintain and program Madison Square Park, a dynamic 6.2-acre public green space in the heart of Manhattan. MSPC raises 100% of the funds needed to privately operate the park and is committed to engaging the community through beautiful gardens, acclaimed public art, and inviting amenities and programming.

Madison Square Park is Manhattan’s only accredited arboretum and home to several centennial trees. The stunning perennial gardens feature 5 signature plant collections, ecological gardens, and ornamental flowers. The Horticulture Manager will lead in maintaining the onsite gardens work in partnership with the Corporate Relationships Manager, field staff, and all departments. 

Organizational Structure

• Manager reports directly to the Director of Horticulture and Park Operations
• Direct reports to this position: 2 Horticulture Associates, Volunteers

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership
  • Hire, train, mentor and manage Horticulture Associates. 
  • Supervise horticulture volunteers in individual and group settings.
  • Implement procedures to encourage teamwork, maintain employee morale and create an inclusive environment.
  • Set schedules and daily tasks.
  • Ability to represent the horticulture program in professional settings

• Horticulture
  • Planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mowing, cleaning, and  fertilizing of park grounds to industry standards.
  • Operation and maintenance of heavy equipment such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, aerators, and overseeders.
  • Operation and maintenance of irrigation.
  • Supervises horticulture sustainable practices, including compost, use of electric equipment, and ecological planting initiatives.
• Interpretation
  • Participation in public programs including tours, workshops, and symposiums.
  • Written and spoken interpretation of botanical and horticulture subjects.
• Administration
  • Respond to emails, Slack, phone inquiries, and requests in a timely and appropriate fashion.
  • Maintain records, including detailed documentation of plantings, fertilizer rates and maintenance.
  • Record accurate accession records.
  • Calculate seeding and fertilizer rates.
  • Actively participate in training opportunities.
• Other
  • Snow removal and special projects during the winter months

Qualifications

• Associates in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related fields are preferred. In place of a degree, considerations are made with relevant field experience, certificate programs, internships, and volunteer experience.
• Knowledge of and passion for public horticulture
• Excellent written and oral skills, comfort with public speaking
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills
• Plant identification skills and knowledge of botanical nomenclature
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts, application of basic geometry
• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office and Google suites
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Ability to work effectively on multiple projects and to meet deadlines
• Possess New York driver’s license or equivalent
• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs.

Compensation and Schedule 

• Salary range is $55,000 – $65,000 based on experience. 
• Benefits include:  Paid Employee Health plan, Paid Employee Dental & Vision Plan, Vacation/Sick Days, Personal Day, Floating Holidays, 401K Plan after a year, commuter benefits, work phone provided, professional membership opportunities.
• 40 hours a week, with the majority of hours required on location. Some schedule flexibility will be required for programs and special events.

Application instructions

To apply, please submit via email attachment a cover letter and resume including names and complete contact information for three references to jobs@madisonsquarepark.org Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio of work during the interview process.

Please be aware that Madison Square Park Conservancy has required Covid 19 vaccination for all employees. The organization will consider accommodations for disability and religious-based reasons.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Madison Square Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws.

The Conservancy prohibits discrimination against applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record or any other characteristic protected by law.