Manager of Outdoor Gardens

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $85,000-$90,000

Manages all aspects of planning, maintenance, daily care, and supervision of the Outdoor Gardens, including Entry Gates and Seasonal Displays, Ladies’ Border, Perennial Garden, Seasonal Walk, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Home Gardening Center, Rock Garden, Native Plant Garden, and growing areas at the Horticulture Operations Center; crew supervision; coordination of irrigation in appropriate areas; and management and maintenance of all supplies and equipment in these areas. The manager develops and implements planting and maintenance schedules, develops and implements best management practices for plant health, and coordinates garden maintenance activities. The manager trains and oversees students, interns, and volunteers and participates in a range of institutional events and activities. Identifies, assesses, and develops sustainable gardening practices, including plant selection, soil improvement, plant health, invasive species management, and other initiatives, as required. 

Additionally, this position supports, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and helps to build and maintain an inclusive organization culture throughout the institution. 

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Supervises directly the Outdoor Gardens staff responsible for planting, pruning, transplanting, plant health care, grooming, and general care and presentation of the Outdoor Garden areas 
  • Works closely with the Horticulture management and curatorial staff to implement the best possible planning and horticultural maintenance practices to achieve the highest horticultural standards and operational efficiencies for the gardens 
  • Monitors conditions of all garden areas and makes recommendations for the care and maintenance; implements recommendations 
  • Manages the growing of plants and the maintenance of the Horticultural Operations Center growing facilities P-20, gravel field, shade structure, Alpine House, and pit houses 
  • Collaborates with Plant Health Director to monitor, diagnose plant health issues, make recommendations, and implement solutions, including improvement to cultural practices 
  • Collaborates with Curatorial Staff to organize plant orders; collaborates with Plant Records to facilitate communication and execution of plant inventories; supplies plant lists for Display Labels 
  • Works closely with other Garden departments to facilitate, coordinate, and implement construction, installation, and other work for landscape, gardens, public and special events, educational programs, and exhibitions 
  • Researches, assesses, makes recommendations, and implements sustainable horticulture practices and techniques to introduce to the day-to-day operations of the Horticulture department, maximizing efficiencies and optimizing soil and plant health. 
  • Manages Outdoor Garden Building and organizes purchase of plants, horticultural supplies, and other materials as necessary 
  • Manages the growing of plants and the maintenance of the Horticultural Operations Center growing facilities P-20, gravel field, shade structure, Alpine House, and pit houses 
  • Supervises volunteers, interns, and School of Professional Horticulture students while on rotation with Outdoor Gardens 
  • Participates in institutional planning efforts 
  • Other work as required 

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fine garden maintenance, landscape maintenance and management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • New York State Pesticide Applicators License Categories 3A (upon or within 6 months of hire) with the ability to obtain others, if necessary. 
  • Driver’s License valid in New York State. 
  • Minimum of two-year technical degree in horticulture, landscape management, or closely related field. 
  • The ability to work outdoors in all seasons and all weather, to stand for long periods, and to perform strenuous tasks including moving up to 50lbs 
  • Experience in work force management 
  • Nursery Management/propagation experience desirable 
  • Proficiency in suite of Microsoft Office software required, experience with GIS desirable 
  • Flexibility and creative problem-solving skills 
  • Some weekend and evening work required

Contact Information

New York Botanical Garden
Contact Name: Kelly Coale
Website: Apply Online