Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 04/01/2026 Compensation: $23-$25/hour

Under the K Bridge Park Gardeners are responsible for supporting the care, health, and maintenance of all planted areas in an innovative public space operated by NBKParks in the North Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). Areas of focus include trees, shrubs, flowers, sedges, grasses, and other plants in all garden beds, retaining walls, artificial hills, rain gardens, stairways, paths, planters and surrounding plazas as well as seasonal projects related to soil health, IPM, nursery production, seed collection, and volunteer events at UTK. Gardeners work alongside Maintenance Crews to keep the park free from weeds, litter, debris, pet and other waste.

Gardeners will also support offsite gardening efforts and related volunteer events in other open green spaces cared for by NBK Parks as needed. This role reports to the UTK Park Manager. The Gardener will work closely with other team members focused on UTK site operations, horticultural activities, special projects and events.

Responsibilities/Duties

General gardening and garden maintenance work. Tasks include, but are not limited to: soil health and cultivation, native plant care, deadheading, thinning, raking, edging, care of nursery plantings, seed collection, pruning, planting, staking, watering, weeding, pest management, and supporting general ecological restoration practices in and around the park
Contribute to the ongoing documentation of horticultural practices, plant performance, and phenological observations
Provide support for other horticultural work in parks and open spaces in Brooklyn’s Community District 1 (CD1) as needed
Operate hand tools and basic power machinery, including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers
Ensure all NBKParks equipment is stored properly and kept in great working condition, and report equipment for repair as necessary
Document and report daily horticultural tasks performed at the UTK and in our public spaces
Document and report damage to signage, hardscape, planted areas, lighting, drains, and issues in the surrounding streetscape
Monitor and report activities of neighboring properties as needed to ensure gardens and plants remain undamaged and that visitors are safe at all times
Support horticultural and programming staff members with special events as needed
Support Maintenance Crew as needed (i.e. picking up trash, clearing catch basins, etc)
Participate in all-hands activities with staff from different departments, ranging from horticultural to maintenance needs
Act as an NBKParks Ambassador while at work and to all UTK visitors
Maintain the highest standards of personal and public safety; follow all policies/procedures, risk management, and safety precautions

Qualifications/Requirements

At least one year of prior experience in gardening, landscaping, or horticulture
Able to perform physical labor during a full shift, including the ability to lift 50lbs, frequent bending and squatting, standing/walking for extended periods, etc.
Able to work in all weather conditions, including cold/hot temperatures, rain, wind, and snow
Plant identification skills, including the ability to differentiate between native and invasive plants
Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, basic regional ecological practices related to landscapes, native plants, pollinators, songbirds
Able to implement detailed landscape plans as directed by management
Able to work independently and problem-solve as needed
Able to work in a dynamic and fast-changing work environment; flexible and willing to adjust to situations as they occur
Effective interpersonal communication (oral and written)
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work
Basic computer skills and ability to work with all necessary software including, G-Suite programs, Whatsapp, Homebase Payroll, Monday.com, Apple/Mac iOS
Must have a smartphone
Valid New York driver’s license and clean driving record, a plus

Additional Information

COMPENSATION AND HOURS
This is a full-time seasonal position from April 01, 2026 - December 08, 2026, with an opportunity for extension. The Gardener position requires a varied schedule, including days, evenings and weekends. Staff should expect to work some Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Approximate hours are 40 hours per week. The hourly range is $23 to $25 per hour, commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted no later than MARCH 04, 2026
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume (as one PDF document) via email with “2026 UTK GARDENER” as the subject line to jobs@nbkparks.org. We will contact only those individuals whose applications are being considered.

ABOUT NBKParks
North Brooklyn Parks Alliance (NBKParks), formerly known as Open Space Alliance, was founded twenty years ago in 2003. The organization is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and equitable network of parks and open spaces in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. nbkparks.org / @nbkparks

ABOUT UNDER THE K
Under the K Bridge Park is located under the Kosciuszko Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Opened in 2021, it transformed seven acres of formerly underutilized land in Greenpoint’s Industrial Business Zone into a space where culture and nature can thrive together. The park is programmed and maintained by the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance through an agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation. @underthek

North Brooklyn Parks Alliance is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. NBKParks is committed to building a culturally diverse community and strongly encourages applications from candidates from underrepresented communities.

Contact Information

North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
Email: jobs@nbkparks.org
Website: Apply Online