Assistant Horticulturist
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $27 /hour + DOE
Trillium Landscape Design is a boutique rooftop and garden design and installation firm based in New York City. We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Assistant Horticulturist with strong plant knowledge, advanced pruning ability, plant healthcare expertise, refined observational skills, and a passion for maintaining exceptional, high-end urban gardens.
This role is designed for a field-based professional who can arrive on site, quickly assess conditions, identify priorities, and execute horticultural work efficiently and to the highest aesthetic and technical standards. The ideal candidate is a full-time, hands-on horticulturist who thrives in a physically demanding environment and takes pride in delivering consistently polished results.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Expert identification of plants, weeds, pests, and diseases
- Diagnose declining or stressed plant material and implement appropriate corrective treatments
- Perform advanced pruning of trees and shrubs using proper horticultural techniques and strong aesthetic judgment
- Conduct spot spraying and plant healthcare treatments using organic products
- Execute detailed garden maintenance, including deadheading, dividing perennials, staking, training vines, and refined horticultural care
- Perform all routine maintenance tasks, including sweeping, blowing, raking, and debris removal
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of rooftop planting mixes and their performance in elevated environments
- Independently prioritize tasks during each site visit to maximize efficiency and results
- Assist with plant deliveries, layouts, seasonal maintenance, and installations as directed by the Director of Design
- Maintain accurate horticultural and maintenance records
- Support a respectful, collaborative, and positive team culture
- Communicate professionally and diplomatically with clients and coworkers
- Work full-time in the field throughout the week, hands-on each day
- Perform work efficiently while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, organization, and consistency
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of formal education in horticulture
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on field experience
- Professional urban gardening and landscape maintenance experience in NYC
- Strong rooftop garden experience required
- Exceptional observational, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills
- Strong work ethic and ability to manage a physically demanding weekly workload
- Calm, patient, detail-oriented, and highly organized
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficient in Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office
- Punctual and reliable
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in all weather conditions
- Valid driver’s license required and ability to confidently operate a box truck throughout NYC (A Must)
- Comfortable navigating city streets and subway logistics when necessary
Additional Information
WE OFFER
- Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- Transportation expenses
- Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion
TO APPLY: Please submit your resume and cover letter to Dan@nyctrillium.com.
Contact Information
Trillium Landscape Design
Contact Name: Dan Hunter
Email: Dan@nyctrillium.com