Temporary Gardener

Position Title: Temporary Gardener

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Manager of Horticulture & Conservatory Foreperson

Compensation: $28 per hour

Schedule: Monday–Friday; this is a temporary position expected to start November 2026 and extend through August 2027.

FLSA Status: Full-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

Position Description:  

The temporary gardener for the Orchid and Aquatic House performs gardening and related work under the guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the Conservatory foreperson.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all aspects of horticulture both on the grounds and in the Conservatory, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants. 
• Inspect collections to identify pest problems and treat such problems using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
• Supervise assigned subordinate employees, including temporary workers and volunteers, instructing them in gardening techniques and in the proper use and care of materials and equipment.
• Adhere to the policies of the Horticulture department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• Keep records, including timely submission of plant inventory control reports and label requests; keep a logbook of plant collections and job-related activities; submit quarterly reports to director of Horticulture.
• As directed, perform various tasks for general grounds and Conservatory care and Brooklyn Botanic Garden events. 
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

• Two years’ college study and/or associate’s degree in the field of horticulture; or

three years’ full-time, paid experience in maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, with a preference for conservatory plants and orchids; or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience

• Holds and maintains a valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a physical examination by a doctor, verifying fitness to perform job functions
• Ability to pass written examination and/or practical test
• Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide apprentice certification
• Preferred: Basic understanding of greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems
• Preferred: Knowledge of indoor living collections, curation, and plant recording
• Preferred: Experience with outdoor container gardening and indoor plant displays 

Benefits:

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  
  
  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
    
    
• 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.