Lead Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: March  Compensation: $45-$50 per hour DOE

Open Source Landscape is seeking an experienced Senior Gardener to lead maintenance and installations for rooftop and townhouse gardens across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

This is a leadership role for a skilled horticulturist with strong plant knowledge, refined pruning skills, and an artistic eye. Must be professional, organized, and confident directing a crew while maintaining high-end residential gardens.

On-site (NYC)
March–December 2026
$45–$50/hr DOE
Seasonal Independent Contractor

5+ years experience preferred. Driver’s license required.

To apply, please send resume + brief introduction.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Full stewardship of assigned gardens — ensuring plant health, seasonal performance, and aesthetic integrity
  • Supervision and direction of assistant gardeners and crew members
  • Installation of new plantings and garden enhancements
  • Pruning (including fine ornamental work and vine training), transplanting, fertilization, mulching, and detailed garden care
  • Irrigation monitoring and seasonal adjustments
  • Organic pest identification and treatment strategies
  • Ongoing condition reporting and proactive issue resolution
  • Client communication and on-site professionalism
  • Plant sourcing trips to regional nurseries (NY/NJ/Long Island)
  • Transporting tools and materials as needed

Qualifications/Requirements

  • 5+ years of hands-on horticultural experience (urban ornamental experience strongly preferred)
  • Formal horticulture training or certificate is a plus
  • Strong plant identification skills and deep knowledge of plant care cycles
  • A refined design eye — understanding proportion, texture, color, and seasonal rhythm
  • Experience managing or mentoring crew members
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors in varied weather
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Organized, punctual, and professional in appearance and conduct

Contact Information

Open Source Landscape
Contact Name: Simone
Email: simone@opensourcelandscape.com