Landscaper

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $25.27 per hour

A popular year-round destination, Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor located between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. For almost two centuries, the Island was closed to the public, operating as a military base for the U.S. Army and, later, the Coast Guard. Today, an award-winning new park is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, educational and cultural facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Looking ahead, the long-term vision for Governors Island focuses on continuing to expand year-round public access by enlivening it with transformative public art and culture, extraordinary recreational and open space, and research and education dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis.

Responsibilities/Duties

The Landscaper is part of the Landscape team, reporting to the Chief Engineer. This is a full-time, year-round position that may require weekend work. The Landscaper will work with a broader team of landscapers and horticulture staff to care for and maintain the Island’s diverse grounds, lawns and landscapes.

  • Lawn maintenance includes mowing, string trimming, aeration, seeding, fertilization, top-dressing as well as seasonal turf installation and restoration.
  • Grounds maintenance including installation or transplanting shrubs and trees, ground-based pruning, weeding, watering, raking, mulching, soil blending, grooming of clay on ballfields, clearing debris from paths and roadways, collection of leaves, snow removal, set up and take down of landscape fencing.
  • Athletic Field maintenance including grooming clay infields, striping of playing field lines, relocation and set up of goals and bleachers.
  • Monitoring sports turf for diseases, insects and invasive weeds, aeration, top dressing, over-seeding and fertilization.
  • Routine maintenance of tools and equipment as directed.
  • Remove trash and debris from the landscapes, report any unsafe conditions to facilities.
  • Daily inspection of grounds and reporting issues related to plant and turf health, pavement defects, vandalism, and site safety issues.
  • Maintain landscaping back-of-house, including transport of bulk materials, inventory and maintenance of tools and equipment, daily inspection and cleaning of equipment.
  • Work as part of storm response teams to clear Island roads, paths and landscapes.
  • Support with events including equipment set-up/break down and enforcing turf protection plans.

Qualifications/Requirements

          Education: High School or GED
          Experience:

  • 3+ years of experience or a combination of experience and formal education to demonstrate proficiency in maintenance of grounds, lawns and landscapes.
  • Experience with all types of grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, trimmers, aerators, slit seeders, spreaders, screeners, rollers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and rototillers.

    Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to perform heavy, physical labor on a daily basis, to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs. with proper tools.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule of days, evenings, weekends, long shifts and holiday shifts.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Knowledge of forklift operations is a plus.

Additional Information

Location and Schedule: All positions are located on Governors Island. This position is in-person, five days a week.

TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to jobs@govisland.org with “Landscaper” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

The Trust for Governors Island values the importance of inclusion, accessibility and a diverse pool of applicants. The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.  
 

ABOUT THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND
The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust's mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for
public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org.

Contact Information

The Trust for Governors Island
Email: jobs@govisland.org