Horticulturist
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: ASAP Compensation: $39.98/hour; 40 hours per week (compensation is governed by the CBA)
The Green-Wood Cemetery is the permanent residence of more than 580,000 individuals and a beloved public destination, welcoming nearly 500,000 visitors annually. Spanning 478 acres of historic grounds, grand architecture, and world-class statuary, Green-Wood is more than a cemetery—it is a National Historic Landmark, an accredited arboretum, an outdoor museum, and a cultural hub rooted in the heart of Brooklyn.
As a living cemetery, Green-Wood blends preservation, nature, and community engagement with innovation. Our work spans a wide range of programming—from the arts and education to environmental stewardship, workforce development, restoration, and scholarly research. Through it all, we remain deeply committed to honoring our mission and treating every visitor and family with care, dignity, and respect.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Green-Wood’s Department of Landscape oversees the preservation and care of its historic 478-acre grounds. The team manages all aspects of the landscape, including monuments, the arboretum, grasslands, gardens, and water bodies. Through integrated conservation practices and climate-adaptive strategies, the department protects historic features, supports biodiversity, and enhances ecosystem services. Combining expertise in historic preservation, ecological management, and horticulture best practices, the department safeguards the long-term health, beauty, and integrity of Green-Wood for generations to come.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Director of Living Collections and Curator, the Horticulturist supports the Department of Landscape’s mission to expand plant diversity, enrich habitat, and sustain the ecological health of Green-Wood’s 478-acre grounds. The role maintains ornamental gardens, naturalized plantings, wildflower meadows, and woody collections while contributing to comprehensive year-round landscape stewardship. This is a hands-on, field-based position requiring daily outdoor work across varied terrain.
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Work Schedule: FULL-TIME ROLE
Terms: This position is governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between The Green-Wood Cemetery and Teamsters Local 810 and subject to its probationary provisions.)
Responsibilities/Duties
PLANT CARE
- Maintain trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs across assigned garden areas.
- Perform seasonal horticultural tasks, including pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, removals, watering, soil remediation, and greenhouse care.
- Monitor plant health using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, including scouting, identifying, and reporting pest or disease issues.
- Promptly report plant health concerns, landscape damage, or safety issues to supervisors.
MAINTENANCE & TOOLS
- Maintain clean, safe, and well-groomed planting beds and garden areas by clearing litter and debris.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair landscape features such as tree protection, vine support, horticultural signage, and garden paths to ensure safe, functional conditions.
- Safely operate and maintain horticultural hand tools and power equipment, including chainsaws, in accordance with training and safety standards.
- Utilize mobile applications (e.g., ESRI WorkForce) and basic computer tools for recordkeeping, documentation, communication, and training.
COLLABORATION & SUPPORT
- Support snow and ice removal operations as assigned.
- Assist the Tree Crew arborists as a ground crew member during large tree work as needed.
- Provide guidance to seasonal staff and interns on horticultural best practices and safety procedures.
- Support volunteers during public horticulture events and educational programs, including setup and breakdown of tools and materials, and providing instruction and safety oversight.
- Engage with visitors by answering basic horticulture questions and representing Green-Wood’s mission and care practices.
- Participate actively in team meetings to align priorities and support department-wide coordination.
- This position does not supervise permanent staff but may provide guidance to seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers.
Qualifications/Requirements
- 2–3 years of professional horticulture experience, preferably in public gardens, historic landscapes, or urban green spaces.
- Solid knowledge of planting design, soil health, and plant identification (particularly Northeast U.S. flora).
- Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and pest monitoring practices.
- Proficiency with horticultural tools, techniques, and equipment operation.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions, including the use of ladders and navigating uneven terrain.
- Valid New York State driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout employment. Individuals operating cemetery vehicles must provide proof of a valid license and a minimum five-year driving history for insurance purposes.
- Completion of an approved 8-hour NYSDEC pesticide apprentice course is required within 90 days of hire.
Additional Information
READY TO APPLY?
Submit a resume and brief cover letter highlighting relevant horticultural experience and interest in working within a historic landscape setting to hiring@green-wood.com with the subject line: Horticulturist: [Your Last Name].
SELECTION PROCESS
Qualified candidates may participate in a multi-step evaluation process, including:
- Interview with Horticulture leadership.
- Written examination (70% minimum to advance).
- Practical skills assessment (plant identification, tool proficiency, applied techniques).
UNION & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
This position is governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between The Green-Wood Cemetery and Teamsters Local 810. All employment terms—including wages, hours, benefits, seniority, and probation—are governed by the CBA.
New employees are subject to a 60-day probationary period under the CBA. During this period, the Department conducts a structured practical evaluation to assess applied skills and safety practices. This evaluation does not supersede or modify the CBA.
Employment is contingent upon verification of required credentials, successful completion of required evaluations, and compliance with all applicable safety, training, and union requirements.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & PAY TRANSPARENCY
Green-Wood is an equal employment opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and any other basis or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Contact Information
The Green-Wood Cemetery
Contact Name: Sara Evans
Email: hiring@green-wood.com
Website: Apply Online