Gardener level 1
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: Hiring Rate: $43,410 , after 2 yrs: $49,922
NYC Parks is the steward of over 30,000 acres of land-14 percent of New York City-including Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Under supervision, assist in the planting and cultivating of trees, flowers and shrubs, including tasks such as digging up, balling, burlapping, transplanting trees and shrubs; digging up and transplanting sod; potting flowers and plants; propagating plant life and pruning and spraying trees, shrubs and plants.
- Assist in the maintenance and operations of greenhouses and nurseries.
- Prepare soil and seed beds. Grade, sod, weed, mulch and mow lawns. Repair damaged planted areas, fertilizing and watering soil.
- Assist in and perform tasks involved in the operation and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment.
- Make necessary operating adjustments; report needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor.
- Perform simple record keeping and prepare simple written reports.
- Drive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment required for to the performance of duties.
- Supervise seasonal employees, as well as volunteers, as needed.
Qualifications/Requirements
Qualification Requirements
- One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following: planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns; or
- A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college-level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.; or
- A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1” above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in “1” above.
License Requirements
A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment. Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
- Knowledge of herbicides and herbicide application.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule by working occasional weekends.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and handle gas-powered equipment.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and the environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently.
Additional Information
Work at NYC Parks offers innovation, leadership, the satisfaction of public service, and a place to grow and develop your career. Full-time employees are also eligible for a wide variety of City benefits and perks.·
- Health Care Coverage - We offer a wide variety of health care plans to meet the needs of you and your family.
- Pension - Upon retirement, qualified members of the City’s generous pension program receive a guaranteed salary and health benefits for the rest of their lives.
- Professional Development - We offer numerous training programs, leadership development opportunities, and career coaching services, while encouraging employees to attend approved off-site trainings and seminars.
- Perks - Our employees are eligible for discounts on some of the top attractions in the city, and all employees receive free membership to our recreation centers.
For more information about NYC Parks go to www.nyc.gov/parks.
Apply by 4/22/22: Go to nyc.gov/careers/search and search for Job ID# 527160.
Contact Information
NYC Parks