Gardener (Full-time)

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Compensation: $22.70/hour

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation (“BBP”) is the not‐for-profit corporation responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85‐acre sustainable waterfront park stretching 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline. Since 2010, BBP has constructed and opened 50 acres of new park space, reconnecting the public to the waterfront and providing world class open space and recreational opportunities. Design and construction of additional park space is currently underway. All landscape beds, trees, and lawns are managed organically, with an emphasis on ecology.

Working collaboratively with other team members, the Gardener is responsible for daily horticultural management of of Brooklyn Bridge Park, commensurate with established organizational mission, values, and standards.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Caring for thousands of newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses
  • Planting and transplanting herbaceous plants and small trees
  • Understory tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Mowing and string trimming
  • Maintenance of all essential equipment
  • Weeding, brush clearing, and mulching
  • Debris and trash removal
  • Provide help with seasonal tasks, including snow removal
  • Composting and compost facility maintenance
  • Overseeing the daily tasks of the Seasonal Gardeners
  • Research, data collection, and horticultural database maintenance
  • Interacting with park patrons in a professional manner as a representative of BBP
  • Leading volunteer groups and training long-term Zone Volunteers
  • Conducting educational workshops and tours for the public
  • Provide support to other members of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Operations Staff on a variety of tasks from maintenance work to gardening
  • Perform other duties as required in the scope of the job and as designated by Operations Management

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Two or more years of horticulture experience or degree in horticulture and/or related field
  • Knowledge of and experience with meadow establishment and maintenance
  • Experience with various landscape maintenance equipment
  • Knowledge of plant material, including turf
  • Knowledge of plant diseases and pests, as well as IPM strategies
  • Strong weed identification and management skills
  • Familiarity with irrigation systems
  • Previous experience in a facility maintenance and/or park setting
  • Hardworking, energetic, self-motivated, and dedicated to the details
  • Strong communication skills and basic computer knowledge
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Comfortable working independently or with a team and outside in a park-setting
  • Valid NYS Driver License
  • Ability to perform heavy, physical labor (lift 40 lbs) on a daily basis in all weather conditions

Additional Information

Reports To Director of Horticulture 
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, non-exempt position. Staff members holding this position should expect to be available for work one weekend day. 
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to rpoulson@bbp.nyc with “Gardener” in the subject line.

Contact Information

Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp
Email: rpoulson@bbp.nyc