Promotion Examination Open To All Qualified Employees of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Horticultural Technician 2

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before May 22, 2010, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and have had one year of permanent non competitive service as a Horticultural Technician 1.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before June 22, 2009, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for this examination.

Qualifying Experience for Appointment from the Eligible List

After one year of the service described in the Minimum Qualifications, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

Notes

1. In accordance with Section 52.11 of the Civil Service Law, individuals serving permanently in the non competitive or labor class in a qualifying title (including those serving under Section 55-b/55-c) who otherwise meet the requirements for taking this examination are eligible to compete in this promotion examination.
2. If appointed as a Horticultural Technician 2, you may be required to acquire and maintain a pesticide applicator certificate.
3. If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT processed.

The Positions

These positions exist in Long Island, Niagara Falls, and New York City.

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Subject of Examination

There will be a written test which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:

1. Diagnosing and controlling insects, plant diseases, and plant cultural problems, and using integrated pest management systems - These questions will cover such topics as diagnosing plant diseases, identifying insect and plant cultural problems, and determining the appropriate treatment for such conditions.
2. Familiarity with horticultural species - These questions test for knowledge of various species of plants, trees, and ornamentals used in landscaping, gardening, parks or soil conservation areas, including their characteristics and uses.
3. Principles and practices of horticulture - These questions test for knowledge of the basic principles and practices of horticulture. The topics may include planting; feeding; propagating; cultivating; maintaining trees, shrubs, plants, and lawns; and recognizing and controlling plant pests and diseases.
4. Supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score. Rank on the eligible list will be determined after adding any wartime veterans' credits to your final passing score.

Credit for Seniority

Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service.

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Duties

As a Horticultural Technician 2, you would, under the general direction of higher level staff, provide general horticultural services to a parks region, complex garden area, or major garden site or collection; supervise, train, and schedule skilled and semiskilled employees and volunteers; prepare sketches and schematics for Horticultural Technicians 1 and grounds staff to plant and construct gardens; experiment with a wide variety of plants to determine those most suitable for a site or region; determine regional planting needs, develop propagation schedules, order materials, and supervise propagation of plants, trees, and shrubs for a region or major site; develop and implement integrated pest management systems; advise maintenance and grounds staff regarding plant and grounds care and maintenance; supervise and maintain greenhouses and related equipment; and direct the maintenance and care of a major garden or regional program.

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How To Apply

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Religious Accommodation

Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

In addition, it is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to enjoy equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their applications. Further information is available from the Special Arrangements Unit of the Department of Civil Service at 518-457-2487 [press 2, then press 2] in the Albany area, toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 2], or via TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) at 518-457-8480.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, call 518-474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1].

Multiple Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

With the exception of written tests announced by New York City, if you have applied to take a written test announced by a local jurisdiction (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must call 518-474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1], no later than two weeks before the test date, to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center.

Eligibility for Examination

To be eligible to compete in this examination, you must be employed in the specified department or agency on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class, or in the non-competitive class or labor class if specifically noted on this announcement (or be on an appropriate preferred list), and have the specified time in the specified title or salary grade. You may not compete in a test for a title if you are permanently employed in that title (unless you are still on probation) or in a higher direct line of promotion.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

Do not bring cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices to the test site. The use of such devices at the test site in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas could result in your disqualification.

S2/TB2 KXM-vla
Issued: 3/5/10

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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