Director of Horticulture and Operations

Director of Horticulture and Operations 

Edible Schoolyard NYC

Job Description 

Full time/Exempt 

Salary: $70,000 - $77,000

Location: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Director of Horticulture and Operations oversees horticulture, garden planning, design, operations and maintenance of all seven Edible Schoolyard NYC gardens. The position reports to the VP of Programs and supervises one Garden Manager and seasonal gardeners. This position supports the School-Based Program Department, Education Department, and the External Affairs Department.

We are seeking candidates who can fulfill the responsibilities of this position as well as offer their creative and strategic vision for the ESYNYC Garden Department. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

MANAGEMENT, STAFF SUPPORT ADMINISTRATIVE (30%)

• Schedule and lead weekly meetings for the ESYNYC Garden Department.
• Track direct reports’ paid time off, professional development, and sick leave. 
• Responsible for supporting weekly volunteer activities alongside ESYNYC Program Managers during the growing season. 
• Responsible for the department budget including purchases for garden maintenance, infrastructure supplies, as well as volunteer and workday project supplies. Establish and maintain vendor relationships.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and annual goals for the Garden Department
• Work with partners and vendors to assure that work is coordinated with deliveries, contractors, and community partners.
• Attend ESYNYC staff meetings, staff development days, and program planning meetings. 
• Support grant proposals and fulfilling grant promises, reporting, and providing budget and impact details.

HORTICULTURE, PLANNING, AND DESIGN (30%)

• Expected in garden spaces across school sites at least 4-5 days per week to care for gardens and support the Garden Manager. 
• Create systems to streamline garden maintenance, horticulture needs, seasonal tasks and opportunities.
• Ensure that ESYNYC gardens provide sufficient produce for use in the kitchen classrooms, garden class tastings, and special events. Develop and implement a crop plan that includes a wide variety of culturally relevant, seasonal crops that will support students to have a rich, educational experience.
• Oversee garden and greenhouse plant health as well as research for plant health, compost, and soil.
• Lead the conception, design and management of carpentry and landscaping projects at all ESYNYC sites. Manage contractors for large infrastructure projects. 
• Oversee chicken care and maintenance at one Brooklyn school site. 

GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE OPERATIONS (20%)

• Regular site maintenance requires hands-on work including but not limited to building projects, painting, garden bed maintenance, irrigation, compost, and pruning. 
• Work closely with school custodial staff, School Construction Authority and Department of School Facilities as needed to troubleshoot greenhouse and other infrastructure operations. 
• Responsible for inventory of tools, supplies and equipment. The repair or replacement of tools and equipment as needed.

SUPPORT EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (10%)

• Meet regularly with Kitchen and Garden Teachers to coordinate plantings and harvests in tandem with lesson plans, extracurricular programs, and afterschool programs.   
• Support to the Director of Education to plan, prepare and teach Professional Development workshops (both internal and external opportunities) throughout the year. 

GARDEN CONSULTATION AND PARTNERSHIPS (10%)

• Support earned income partners through garden consultation services. 
• Assist the VP of Programs to reach income goals by expanding the impact of new and existing partnerships. 

• Supervise workday events and logistics including project planning, supply ordering, day-of coordination, and execution. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 3-5+ years experience in urban farming or horticulture required. Skilled horticulturists strongly preferred. 
• At least 2 years experience supervising staff
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, contractors and construction personnel. 
• Strong people skills, positive attitude and outlook. 
• Strong belief in ESYNYC’s mission and social impact. 
• Energetic, hard worker, with excellent management skills. 
• Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license and a clean driving record. 

Desired qualifications include:

• Advanced project management skills, including labor and cost budgeting, scheduling, materials and equipment sourcing, and permitting. 
• Landscape design; basic garden carpentry skills; understanding of basic structural principles. 
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, best practices for organic food production in an urban setting. 
• Knowledge of plant identification and healthy plant maintenance. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Vaccination for COVID-19 required 

• Some evening and weekend work is required. 
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend. Mobility of arms to reach, dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate large and small objects. 
• Ability to stand for long periods. 
• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects, which may be approximately 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work outdoors under all weather conditions. 
• Ability to travel between sites. 

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $70,000-$77,000 annual with generous benefits, vacation policy and professional development support. Travel reimbursement offered. This is a full-time, exempt position. 

To Apply: To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with your name and Director of Horticulture and Operations in the subject line. 

Edible Schoolyard NYC is committed to a diverse workplace. People of color, racial and ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Edible Schoolyard is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, unemployment status, or any other legally protected basis. Edible Schoolyard NYC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees as required by law. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.