Gardener- Overlook

Brooklyn Botanic Garden•Brooklyn, NY

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Gardener performs gardening and related work on the grounds and/or in conservatories, focusing primarily on naturalistic plantings of perennials and woody plants. The position is also responsible for caring for Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lilac Collection. Although the current staffing plan assigns the position to the Overlook, the incumbent may be reassigned to another area of the Garden as appropriate. The Gardener works under the guidance of the Director of Horticulture and the general supervision of the Horticulture Manager and Foreperson of Grounds.

Requirements

Two years of college and/or an associate degree related to horticulture; or three years of full-time, paid experience maintaining trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and lawns and operating and maintaining gardening tools and equipment; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass a physical examination by a doctor verifying fitness to perform job functions.
Ability to pass a written examination and/or practical test.
Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide apprentice certification.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with native perennials, grasses, small trees, and shrubs.
Experience in weed management and Integrated Pest Management methods.
Ability to work both individually and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

Perform horticultural work on the grounds and in conservatories, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, shrubs, flowers, lawns, and other flora.
Care for Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lilac Collection.
Inspect plants and identify pest problems; treat them using Integrated Pest Management techniques.
Operate and maintain hand and power gardening tools and small equipment, make necessary operating adjustments, and report repair or replacement needs.
Operate large power-gardening equipment, such as a tractor, mower, rototiller, roller, or sprayer, as needed.
Supervise assigned subordinate employees, including temporary workers and volunteers, and instruct them in gardening techniques and proper use and care of materials and equipment.
Maintain records, including plant inventory control reports and label requests, and keep a log of plant collections and job-related activities.
Perform tasks related to general grounds and conservatory care and Garden events as directed.
Adhere to Horticulture Department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden policies.
Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Benefits

Health insurance beginning on the date of hire, with plan options through the City of New York’s Office of Labor Relations, some at no cost to the employee.
Dental, vision, and prescription benefits.
Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and transit/parking accounts.
CIRS pension and 401(k) plan for eligible employees.
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Paid time off, including sick time, vacation time, and 13 annual holidays.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness-eligible employer.
Museum Pass providing free entry to many museums in New York City.
Free Garden admission for the employee plus one guest.
Employee discount at the Garden’s retail shop and food venues.