Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Temporary Gardener (Fragrance Garden & Shakespeare Garden)

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Manager of Horticulture

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

Compensation: $28 per hour

Position Description:

The temporary gardener performs gardening and related work under the guidance of the director of Horticulture, manager of Horticulture, and foreperson of Grounds.

Schedule: Monday–Friday; this is a temporary position and is expected to start January 2, 2026, filling in until a gardener returns from leave

• Perform all aspects of horticulture both on the grounds and in gardens 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 treat 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 need 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; keeps a logbook of plant collections and job-related activities; submit quarterly reports to director of Horticulture.
• As directed, perform various tasks for general grounds, garden, 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 lift 50 pounds
• Ability to pass written examination and/or practical test
• Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide apprentice certification

Benefits:

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  • Up to 56 hours of sick 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.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs