Position Title: Foreperson of Conservatory

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Manager of Horticulture

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-exempt

Grade: Union

Position Description:

Under general supervision, the foreperson of the Conservatory performs supervisory work of more than ordinary difficulty and responsibility in daily tasks relating to the maintenance, development, and record-keeping of Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Conservatory complex, plant nursery, and Bonsai Museum.

The foreperson of the Conservatory guides a crew of gardeners, assistant gardeners, seasonals, and volunteers.

Primary Responsibilities/Activities:

Organize, guide, and train staff as needed in planning and executing daily work schedules and special work projects.
Diagnose plant diseases, soil health issues and pest infestations. Coordinate and manage the routine scheduling of appropriate treatments using IPM strategies in the Conservatory.
Manage and be responsible for access, security, and sanitation of the service garages, chemical storage room and nursery.
Assist in ordering and keeping inventory control of general use supplies for greenhouse care and maintenance (fertilizer, soil amendments, mulch, etc.).
Monitor, track, and coordinate the automated environmental systems (temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting) to safeguard sensitive flora.
Oversee the propagation, potting, watering, and pruning of diverse plant collections.
Ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations and workplace safety standards.
Assist with procurement of plant materials for display and living collections.
Serve as a Horticulture department leader for snow removal Garden-wide.
Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related degree, plus a minimum of five years’ paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds management experience in a supervisory capacity (excludes seasonal/volunteer supervision)

OR

10 years of paid, full-time, high-level administrative horticultural and grounds management experience, including 5 years in a supervisory capacity (excludes intern/volunteer supervision)
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in handling horticulture

and grounds management

Broad-based working knowledge and hands-on experience in the identification, culture, maintenance, and display of a wide range of ornamental plants

Additional Requirements:

May be required to pass written and practical exam
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state in which they reside
Must possess and maintain a current New York State pesticide applicator certification
Experience with turf management and/or arboriculture a plus
Proven leadership ability, strong communication skills
Computer literate
Organized and detail-oriented
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

**Work schedule may not be Monday - Friday

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range – $72,601 - $83,491

Brooklyn Botanic Garden considers several factors when determining the appropriate salary to offer a candidate within the listed salary range. These factors include (but are not limited to), the scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate’s relevant work experience and education/training, prior union/ DC37 experience (for union positions), job skills, equity across the institution, as well as market and organizational considerations.

BBG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Health Insurance that begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New York’s Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans, some at no cost to the employee.
- Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
- Pre-Tax Benefits including flexible spending, dependent care, transit/parking accounts
- CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
- Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off including sick time, vacation time, and 13 annual holidays

As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at hr@bbg.org.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.