Seasonal Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $21-$23 per hour

Department: Horticulture
FT/PT: Full-Time, Seasonal
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Horticulture

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 Seasonal Gardener works with the Zone Gardener and the Horticultural Supervisor to care for and maintain the gardens and landscapes on Governors Island. The Seasonal
Gardener cares for planted areas through horticultural tasks such as planting, weeding, mulching, pruning and watering, and uses power equipment such as mowers, hedge trimmers and string trimmers. This position is ideal for someone new to the horticulture field who has a demonstrated interest in native plants and ornamental gardening.

The Trust’s horticulture team is led by the firm belief that anyone can develop meaningful connections to the natural world in an urban setting, understand our shared ecological responsibility, and help combat biodiversity loss. Our team employs a wide range of innovative, experimental methods to cultivate native habitats with a goal of mitigating the harmful effects of habitat destruction and climate change.

Responsibilities include:

  • Maintain the Island’s horticultural assets in assigned zone including planting beds, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines and bulbs.
  • Perform work including planting, damage/corrective/structural tree and shrub pruning, cabling and staking, weeding, deadheading, thinning, cutback, hand- watering, raking, mulching, transplanting, composting and soil mixing.
  • Monitor and maintain irrigation as needed, in assigned zone.
  • Maintain horticulture back-of-house, including care of plants in nursery and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Manage individual and corporate volunteers in horticultural tasks.
  • Interact with park patrons in a professional manner as a representative of Governors Island.
  • Remove trash and debris from beds and report any unsafe conditions.
  •  Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

           Education: 

  • Degree/Certification in horticulture or related field preferred.

    Experience: 
  • Horticultural experience through full-time employment, volunteer work or internships.

    Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and has the stamina to perform physical labor (using machinery, lifting, bending, digging, squatting, etc.) in all weather conditions, including heat and cold.
  • Experience using power equipment such as mowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and string trimmers.
  • Ability to work with people at all levels with an open and engaging personality.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written), organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • High level of personal accountability, self-organization, autonomy and discipline.
  • Ability to be flexible and make sound professional judgments.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
  • Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.
  • Valid driver's license.

Additional Information

Location and Schedule: 
All positions are located on Governors Island. The position is in-person (five-day work week).

TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to jobs@govisland.org with “Seasonal Gardener” 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 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