Temporary Gardener

United States·BrooklynTemporarymid

OtherGardener

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Quick Summary

Key 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,

Requirements Summary

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, and lawns,

Technical Tools

OtherGardener

Position Title: Temporary Gardener, Conservatory

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Manager of Horticulture & Conservatory Foreperson

FLSA Status: Full-time Temporary, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $28 per hour

Position Description:

The temporary gardener for Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Steinhardt Conservatory will perform gardening and related work under the guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the Conservatory foreperson.

Schedule: Monday–Friday; this is a temporary position and is expected to start July 20, 2026, and will extend through January 22,2027.

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, lawns, and other flora.
Inspect collections to identify pest problems and treats such problems using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
Select, propagate, design, and purchase plants following appropriate horticulture procedures.
Operate and maintain hand- and power-gardening tools and small equipment. Make necessary operating adjustments to equipment, report needs for repair and replacement.
May be assigned to operate large power equipment such as a tractor, mower, rototiller, roller, sprayer, etc.
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, and lawns, and operation and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment;
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
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Preferred: Basic understanding of greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems
Preferred: Knowledge of indoor living collections, curation, and plant recording
Preferred: Experience working with warm temperate and desert environments
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.