Director of Horticulture

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $55,000-70,000 annual

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Horticulture (DOH) will have the overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Broadway Mall Association’s (BMA) horticulture program and small staff. The Director is responsible for ensuring the health and continued improvement of a mature landscape of more than 1,000 trees and 150 pocket gardens spanning BMA’s 5 ½ miles of planted medians.

The BMA is engaged in a long-term plan to restore the Broadway malls as an oasis of ecological health and habitat connectivity along Manhattan’s West Side. The Director will work with a small team and partner organizations to develop and implement plans for a robust and creative horticulture program that achieves ecological restoration and long-term sustainable maintenance. This hands-on position requires creativity and horticultural acumen and provides an opportunity to grow a sustainable, ecological horticulture program in service of regenerating a historic green space in Manhattan.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge of existing conditions on the Broadway malls
  • Lead and manage all aspects of BMA’s horticulture program, including contractor selection, project planning, budgeting, resource and materials management, and implementation
  • Develop short and long term horticulture goals for BMA
  • Oversee and monitor BMA’s horticulture budget and spending; ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget
  • Keep tree inventory and other baseline records up to date; develop working knowledge of asset management and other record-keeping systems
  • Implement existing and develop new planting designs for seasonal planting and new initiatives; lead contractors, program staff and volunteers in planting and layout
  • Coordinate with city agencies providing services and implementing capital work on the malls
  • Oversee employee selection process for the horticulture program; supervise and mentor interns and staff, instructing them in proper horticultural practices and in the safe use and care of the tools of the craft
  • Provide written and oral reports; contribute to and review grant proposals and reports
  • Ensure a positive and fair work environment; uphold and enforce policies, procedures and organizational guidelines

Outreach and Community Engagement

  • Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador and spokesperson for BMA; advocate for the greening of New York City and express the benefits of healthy public spaces
  • Represent BMA as the subject-matter expert in urban horticulture
  • Develop relationships and act as liaison to local schools, City and State park entities, community gardens, and others; attend community meetings as needed
  • Work with BMA staff and leadership to develop, plan and execute an annual slate of horticulture-related volunteer activities; lead and train volunteers
  • Participate in donor tours as needed

Hours and Compensation

  • This is a full-time, year-round position. Benefits include paid holidays, generous vacation time, Health Insurance, sick leave; optional 401(k) plan; and pre-tax transit benefits. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture-related field or equivalent work and/or education experience
  • Minimum of two years work experience in horticulture or related field
  • Operational experience and knowledge in sustainable landscape practice
  • Experience with plants and their care in an urban environment
  • Enthusiasm for working in an urban landscape and commitment to public horticulture
  • A positive and friendly demeanor; ability to interact thoughtfully and productively with the general public and landscaping and public works crews
  • Excellent leadership skills; strong communication, literary, technical and analytical skills; excellent observation skills and keen attention to detail
  • Integrity, strength of character, sense of humor and gravitas
  • Willingness and ability to work outside in all weather; ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Valid New York State Driver’s license

Additional Information

About the Broadway Mall Association

The Broadway malls are a 10-acre public parkland from 59th St to 168th Street on Broadway, Manhattan’s premiere boulevard. From 70th to 168th St the parkland is planted and stewarded by the Broadway Mall Association (BMA), a not-for-profit community organization, in partnership with NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Broadway Mall Association requires Covid 19 vaccination for all employees. The organization will consider accommodations for disability and religious-based reasons.

The Broadway Mall Association is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Contact Information

Broadway Mall Association
Contact Name: Erin Powers
Email: jobs@broadwaymall.org