Under the K Bridge Park - Seasonal Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: Immediate  Compensation: $21- $25/hour

Under the K Bridge Park Gardeners are responsible for supporting the care, health, and maintenance of all planted areas in this innovative public space operated by NBKParks in North Brooklyn’s Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). Areas of focus include trees, shrubs, flowers, sedges, grasses, and other plants in all garden beds, retaining walls, artificial hills, rain gardens, stairways, paths, planters and surrounding plazas as well as seasonal projects related to soil health, IPM, nursery production, seed collection, and volunteer events at UTK. Gardeners work alongside Maintenance Crews to keep the park free from weeds, litter, debris, pet and other waste. 

Gardeners may also support offsite gardening efforts in other open green spaces cared for by NBK Parks as needed. This role reports to the UTK Park Manager, with oversight and guidance from the Director of Horticulture & Stewardship. The Gardener will work closely with other team members focused on UTK site operations, horticultural activities, events and programs.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • General gardening and garden maintenance work. Tasks include, but are not limited to: soil health and cultivation, native plant care, deadheading, thinning, raking, edging, care of nursery plantings, seed collection, pruning, planting, staking, watering, weeding, pest management, and supporting general ecological restoration practices in and around the park
  • Contribute to the ongoing documentation of horticultural practices, plant performance, and phenological observations
  • Provide support for other horticultural work in parks and open spaces in Brooklyn’s Community Board 1 (CB1) as needed
  • Operate hand tools and basic power machinery, including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers
  • Ensure all NBKParks equipment is stored properly and kept in great working condition, and report equipment for repair as necessary
  • Document and report damage to signage, hardscape, planted areas, lighting, drains, and issues in the surrounding streetscape
  • Monitor and report activities of neighboring properties as needed to ensure gardens and plants remain undamaged and that visitors are safe at all times
  • Support horticultural and programming staff members with special events as needed
  • Support Maintenance Crew as needed (i.e. picking up trash, clearing catch basins, etc)
  • Act as an NBKParks Ambassador while at work and to all UTK visitors
  • Maintain the highest standards of personal and public safety; follow all policies/procedures, risk management, and safety precautions

Qualifications/Requirements

  • At least one year of prior experience in gardening, landscaping, or horticulture
  • Able to perform physical labor during a full shift, including the ability to lift 50lbs, frequent bending and squatting, standing/walking for extended periods, etc. 
  • Able to work in all weather conditions, including cold/hot temperatures, rain, wind, and snow
  • Plant identification skills, including the ability to differentiate between native and invasive plants
  • Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, basic regional ecological practices related to landscapes, native plants, pollinators, songbirds
  • Able to implement detailed landscape plans as directed by management 
  • Able to work independently and problem-solve as needed
  • Able to work in a dynamic and fast-changing work environment; flexible and willing to adjust to situations as they occur
  • Effective interpersonal communication (oral and written)
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work
  • Basic computer skills and ability to work with all necessary software including, G-Suite programs, Whatsapp, Homebase Payroll, Monday.com, Apple/Mac iOS
  • Able to operate an electric cargo bicycle
  • Must have a smartphone
  • Must have a valid New York driver’s license during employment

Additional Information

OVERVIEW
North Brooklyn Parks Alliance (NBKParks)—the non-profit conservancy for parks and open spaces in Greenpoint & Williamsburg—is currently seeking motivated and energetic individuals to join a dedicated team working together to ensure that Under the K Bridge Park (UTK) and other local green spaces are thriving for the benefit of all North Brooklyn communities. Founded in 2003 as the Open Space Alliance, the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance’s mission is to create an equitable, accessible, and vibrant parks system in North Brooklyn.

COMPENSATION AND HOURS
This is a full-time seasonal position from April 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025, with an opportunity for extension. The Gardener requires a varied schedule, including days and weekends. Staff should expect to work Saturday, Sunday, and/or Holidays. Approx. hours for this role are 40 hours/week. The hourly range is $21 to $25 per hour, commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume (as one PDF document) via email with “2025 UTK GARDENER” as the subject line to jobs@nbkparks.org. We will contact only those individuals whose applications are being considered.

ABOUT NBKParks
North Brooklyn Parks Alliance (NBKParks), formerly known as Open Space Alliance, was founded twenty years ago in 2003. The organization is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and equitable network of parks and open spaces in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. nbkparks.org / @nbkparks

ABOUT UNDER THE K
Under the K Bridge Park is located under the Kosciuszko Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Opened in 2021, it transformed seven acres of formerly underutilized land in Greenpoint’s Industrial Business Zone into a space where culture and nature can thrive together. The park is programmed and maintained by the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance through an agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation. @underthek

North Brooklyn Parks Alliance is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. NBKParks is committed to building a culturally diverse community and strongly encourages applications from candidates from underrepresented communities.

Contact Information

North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
Contact Name: Lisa Bloodgood
Email: jobs@nbkparks.org