Gardener
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: March 1- March 31 (flexible) Compensation: $25-30 per hour
We are seeking 2 fulltime (or 4 part time) Gardeners to install and maintain penthouse, terrace, and backyard gardens in white glove buildings throughout Manhattan as members of our garden services crew. Applicant should enjoy selecting plants at area nurseries, reading planting plans and making plant substitutions on the fly as needed during spring and fall planting seasons as well as performing meticulous grooming, vine training and weeding during the summer months. We provide on-the-job training and are committed to professional development of our staff. We only apply pest treatments that are approved for organic gardening.
These positions are best suited for gardeners who enjoy working in many different gardens everyday and are intellectually curious to learn and build their knowledge and skill set. Fulltime positions are year round with the option to take an unpaid leave in January and February. We offer paid hours for professional development training (OSHA, pesticide technician’s license) to supplement field work in the winter. Uniforms for every season are provided.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Plant
- Weed
- Prune trees and shrubs for form and deadwood
- Deadhead perennials and annuals
- Manicure and groom plants
- Artfully train vines onto supports
- Identify common pests, diseases, & benefical insects
- Treat pests with methods approved for organic gardening & Release beneficial predator insects when necessary
- Select plants from local nurseries and deliver to project sites
- Work with other crew members to complete work reports and follow up items
- Collaborate with design and install staff to lay out plants according to planting plans and make plant substitutions when needed
- Lead and train Assistant Gardeners in proper planting techniques and maintenance tasks
Qualifications/Requirements
- At least one year of paid gardening experience
- Excellent plant identification skills and knowledge of cultural needs for a variety of perennials, shrubs and trees used in ornamental horticulture
- Fluent in botanical Latin
- Basic knowledge of common pests, diseases and beneficial insects
- Some formal training preferred but not required
- Valid Driver’s License and comfort driving a cargo van strongly preferred but not required
- Artistic eye
- Knowledge of native NYC plants and container gardening is very helpful
- Enthusiasm and interest in horticulture and urban ecology
- Strong and in excellent physical health
- Neat and tidy appearance
- Willingness to work in inclement weather
- Dependable, punctual, with an excellent work ethic
- Positive attitude
Additional Information
Compensation: $25-$30 an hour commensurate with experience and professional training
Start Date: March 1-March 31 (We can be flexible for a start date)
Benefits: Health & Dental Insurance provided for all staff working at least 30 hours a week with no contribution deducted from paycheck Professional development allowance after 1 year (a horticulture class at NYBG or BBG are some examples)
Paid professional development for OSHA certification and Pesticide Technician’s License in the winter
Paid vacation after 1 year
To Apply: Please send résumé and cover letter to info@bluedahlia.nyc with “Gardener” in the subject line
Visit us at Plant O' Rama Job Fair at Brooklyn Botanic Garden this Tuesday, January 31 for a pre-interview meeting!
Contact Information
Blue Dahlia Landscape Design + Horticulture
Email: info@bluedahlia.nyc
Phone: no phone calls please
Website: Apply Online