Watering Truck Operator

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 5/1/2023  Compensation: $60,000-$65,000

The Horticultural Society of New York (the Hort) seeks a Watering Truck Operator to join our Horticulture department. The mission of The Horticultural Society of New York is to improve human lives through horticulture. Our social service and public programs create green spaces in all neighborhoods as a vital part of social infrastructure, train people for jobs that grow and sustain green communities, and develop fresh approaches to improve New Yorkers’ health, well-being, and environment through horticulture

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Driving to the client’s location to water plants and trees
  • Perform diverse horticultural, ground keeping, and greenhouse tasks, including but not limited to watering, weeding, planting, transplanting, pruning, mulching, and mowing
  • Inspecting and loading equipment for the day’s work
  • Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip truck inspections
  • Load and unload hoses from the truck
  • Troubleshooting and replacing faulty parts
  • Report vehicle repairs to necessary management
  • Conducting routine maintenance checks for trucks, tanks, and watering needs
  • Completing progress reports and associated paperwork for plant and worksites
  • Testing the soil and vegetation to determine irrigation needs
  • Mapping out areas for watering needs or irrigation needs
  • Survey site conditions
  • Document the status of job sites
  • Communicate improvements needed or issues
  • Take photos of all sites to document progress, for social media, and promotional use
  • Comply with all safety procedures and DOT requirements

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Valid NYS Driver’s License
  • Horticulturist/gardener with hands-on experience building and maintaining urban green spaces, gardens, and/or urban farms
  • At least 6 months of watering truck or irrigation experience
  • Knowledge of soil, vegetation, climate, and plant needs.
  • Adaptability and foresight to handle unexpected situations (traffic, weather conditions, etc.)
  • Good communication skills.
  • Strong navigation or mapping skills are a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once.
  • Comfortable working in high-traffic areas (roadsides, medians, traffic circles, tree pits, etc.).
  • Perform all other duties and tasks assigned.
  • All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their start date

    Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects
  • Comfortable sitting in a truck and driving in New York City traffic
  • Able to lift approximately 80 pounds.

Additional Information

Benefits
The Hort offers all Full-Time regular employees a generous Paid Time Off package, termed Life Insurance Policy and Employee Assistance Program. Pre-tax benefits include transit, Flexible Spending Account, and medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
Additional Details

  • Salary Range: $60,000 to $65,000 annually
  • Employment Classification: Full-Time Regular
  • Reports To: Director of Horticulture
  • Weekly Schedule: Wednesday- Sunday (weekends required)

Contact Information

The Horticultural Society of New York
Email: jobs@thehort.org