The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC and/or the Corporation) is a public benefit corporation, state authority and a political subdivision of the State of New York, which operates under Title 35 of the Public Authorities Law. RIOC’s mission is to plan, design, develop, operate, maintain and manage 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 open spaces such as Firefighter’s Field, Southpoint Park, and Lighthouse Park, among other facilities and locations. Infrastructure operations also include the Aerial Tramway, AVAC and free Red Bus services throughout Roosevelt Island. RIOC’s Public Safety Department serves as the community’s first responders in coordination with the New York City Police Department. RIOC’s workforce is comprised of administrative staff and union workers from Local 210, 32BJ, and PSOBA.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Horticulture and Grounds 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.  The incumbent will continue efforts to maintain and preserve the vision that makes Roosevelt Island unique. Director will implement and oversee day to day operations necessary to ensure open spaces, garden areas, athletic fields, the promenade and main street are kept in excellent condition using environmentally friendly and creative methodologies.  Also assist 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:

·         Directly oversee all horticulture and waste management activities on Roosevelt Island including but not limited to:

o    The development and implementation of daily and seasonal maintenance practices and a cohesive management plan.

o    Plant selection, procurement and installation.

o    Tree care.

o    Irrigation maintenance and replacement.

o    Pest management.

o    Coordination of waste removal.

o    Recycling and composting programs.

·         Ensure optimal staffing of the horticulture team, including recruiting, hiring, training and scheduling. The position will require learning RIOC’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage work orders and track progress.

·         Ensure accurate documentation, tracking and reporting of work orders. 

·         Maintaining accurate data tracking of key performance metrics for the department.

·         Develop and implement best practices and standards for all members of the horticulture team, ensuring that employees receive ongoing instruction and opportunities for development.

·         Develop and maintain annual plan for seasonal gardening / landscaping work such as planting, pruning, weeding, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pest management, etc.

·         Set comprehensive department goals for performance and growth.

·         Supervise the horticulture team in the field, providing guidance and feedback on essential tasks, ensuring best practices are followed. Make efforts to provide direct supervision or direct care for plantings or landscaping work.

·         Establishes and implements aesthetic and horticultural standards as well as best practice standards of garden care and maintenance with an ever increasing emphasis on resilient and organic practices.

·         Ensure materials, vehicles, tools and equipment are adequately supplied, in good condition and properly maintained and stored.

·         Develop and maintain budgets and monitor spending related to the department.

·         Responsible for overseeing and coordinating all snow and ice removal operations, ensuring safe and efficient management of resources, personnel, and equipment.

·         Manage the AVAC yard and coordinate with DSNY to seek out advances in waste management and find ways to improve best practices.

·         Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to carry out RIOC events, projects and initiatives.

·         Lead procurement, including bid process and RFP development, contract development, project management and on-site supervision of third-party vendors for open space modifications, renovations, maintenance, and care.

·         Ensure compliance with RIOC policies, procedures and all applicable regulatory, environmental requirements.

·         Manage and provide oversight for assigned vendor contracts.

·         Participate in a range of activities beyond the typical workday, including events, programs and other initiatives.

·         Actively promote and contribute to RIOC’s sustainability initiatives and open space management.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

·         Five (5) or more years of supervisory and administrative experience in parks and/or facility management, preferably in a public setting.  Excellent knowledge of arboriculture and horticulture is required.  Thorough knowledge of event planning and coordination, best management practices for environmentally friendly grounds maintenance, grooming of synthetic turf fields and preventative maintenance strategies for park features is preferred.

·         Must possess a valid driver’s license; must be able to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license if needed.

What we offer:

·         A comprehensive benefits package, including free health, dental and vision, paid holidays, sick and vacation days, commuter benefits, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, free parking, or monthly transit check, free membership to our Sportspark complex, EAP, LTD and Life Insurance Programs. RIOC also offers an exciting work environment with a beautiful view of Manhattan and Long Island City.

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) 474-6988.