Seasonal Horticulture and Turfcare Associate

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: ASAP  Compensation: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience

Madison Square Park Conservancy is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving, historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

Madison Square Park is Manhattan’s only accredited arboretum and home to several centennial trees. The stunning perennial gardens feature 5 signature plant collections, ecological gardens, and ornamental flowers. The Conservancy seeks a passionate individual motivated to cultivate vibrant green spaces and who can bring nature’s beauty to life.  If you're ready to dig into a fulfilling career where you can let your creativity blossom and make a positive impact on the world around you, we invite you to apply!

Responsibilities/Duties

Horticulture

  • Installation of container plantings, and temporary exhibitions.
  • Care of perimeter street plantings, garden beds, temporary installations, container plantings, and Worth Square to industry standards including:
    • Operation of watering tools
    • Weed removal and identification
    • Application of fertilizer and supplements
    • Pruning 
    • Litter and debris removal
  • Turf care
    • Care of turf areas to industry standards including:
      • Operation of irrigation systems
      • Weed removal and identification
      • Application of fertilizer and supplements
      • Operation of heavy equipment such as lawnmowers, string trimmers, aerators, and overseeders 
  • Administration
    • Maintain daily records, including detailed documentation of plantings, fertilizer rates and maintenance.
    • Respond to emails, Slack,  inquiries, and requests in a timely and appropriate fashion
    • Timely shares of turf and irrigation damage with supervision to develop care plan response
    • Interpretation of botanical and horticulture subjects to the general public.
    • As part of a team, advise on horticulture content as it relates to communications and programming. 
  • Other
    • Snow removal and special projects during the winter months
    • Collaborate with volunteers and partner groups when appropriate
    • Litter and debris removal

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Relevant field experience, certificate programs, internships, and volunteer experience in horticulture and turf grass care.
  • Knowledge of and passion for public horticulture
  • Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs and walk long distances
  • Ability to multi-task and handle competing priorities
  • Knowledge of technology, including Google suite, Slack, and Zoom
  • Highly detail-oriented, field problem solvers who can adapt to changing priorities and new opportunities
  • Ability to perform physically strenuous work in various weather conditions alone and in a team environment

Additional Information

To apply, please submit via email attachment a cover letter and resume including names and complete contact information for three references to jobs@madisonsquarepark.org 

Contact Information

Madison Square Park Conservancy
Contact Name: Gabriela Chrysostomou
Email: gchrysostomou@madisonsquarepark.org
Phone: 3477682451
Website: Apply Online