Gardener I
Job Title: Gardener I
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $28.35/hour
Reports to: Director of Horticulture
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) is looking to hire a full-time Gardener. Working collaboratively with other team members, the Gardener is responsible for the daily horticultural management of Brooklyn Bridge Park, commensurate with established organizational mission, values, and standards.
Primary Responsibilities:
Caring for planted trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses using best practices
Planting and transplanting herbaceous plants, shrubs and small trees
Maintaining the successful establishment of newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses
Routine pruning and maintenance of lower canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs
Scouting and reporting plant health care issues related to pest and pathogens
Proper handling and maintenance of all essential equipment
Weeding, brush clearing, and mulching
Effectively controlling all weedy species and invasive plants in areas of responsibility
Daily trash removal from plant beds
Daily walkthrough of zone to assess conditions
Provide help with seasonal cross-department group tasks, including snow removal; salt marsh maintenance and fall leaf clean up
Support composting operations, including proper collection of materials, chipping debris, mixing/turning piles, and monitoring temperatures
Guide and support the tasks of seasonal gardeners
Conduct research to support decisions on best plant choices, ecological function of the zone, and pest/disease management
Document work on a recurring basis, keeping records and providing information on zone as requested by Horticulture leadership
Track and log irrigation and watering requirements
Collect data for digital asset management system as requested by leadership
Effectively balance outdoor and indoor tasks, with outdoor tasks taking priority
Interacting with park patrons in a professional manner as a representative of BBP
Support volunteer groups and training of long-term Zone Volunteers
Provide support to other members of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Operations Staff on a variety of tasks from maintenance work to gardening when requested
Perform other duties as required in the scope of the job and as designated by Operations Management
Qualifications:
Two or more years of horticulture experience or a degree in horticulture and/or related field
Knowledge of and experience with meadow establishment and maintenance
Knowledge of and experience with establishment and maintenance of woody plants
Experience with a wide range of landscape maintenance equipment
Knowledge of native plants in the greater NYC area
Knowledge of plant diseases and pests, as well as IPM strategies
Strong weed identification and management skills
Familiarity with irrigation systems
Ability to perform heavy physical labor daily in all weather conditions
Hardworking, self-motivated, and dedicated to the details
Strong communication skills and basic computer knowledge
Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed
Comfortable working independently or with a team and outside in a park-setting
Valid NYS Driver License.
About You:
You strive to be inclusive and collaborative. At BBP, we recognize that doing our best work means working together. We have each other’s back – and are helpful, humble and open.
You are committed. At BBP, we approach our work with integrity, positivity, and pride. We are committed to the public, the park and each other.
You are a problem-solver. At BBP, we prioritize learning, evolving and building creative solutions to ensure the Park remains a leader in sustainable green space for generations to come.
You value people and the environment. At BBP, respect is important to us. We strive to trust each other, act with good intention and communicate with openness.
Working at BBP:
We believe that BBP is a park for all people. We take pride in our ability to provide the community with a beautiful, functional, clean, and safe green space. Internally, we strive to provide a work environment where employees feel supported, respected, and a sense of belonging. Our staff are experts in everything from horticulture to community engagement to park operations and events. The work environment is welcoming, with hardworking and diverse staff who are dedicated to building, beautifying, and maintaining the park. We offer benefits like affordable healthcare, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and prioritize the importance of work-life balance.
Benefits (Other company benefits provided in addition to the following):
403B (employee contributed retirement plan)
Company funded retirement plan
Paid vacation time (up to 25 days)
Sick days (12)
Paid holidays/float days (15 days annually)
FMLA and other paid leaves (based on eligibility)
Tuition and professional development reimbursement
Medical, dental, vision, Healthcare FSA, Dependent FSA, Commuter Benefits, Life, and Long-term Disability Insurance
BBP vendor discounts at restaurants, food markets, and other eateries
Other corporate discounts on movie tickets, theme parks, and more!
ABOUT BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of the most transformative public projects in New York City in a generation, has revitalized a formerly industrial waterfront into a dynamic 85-acre civic space. Created to be environmentally and financially sustainable, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a model for resilient urban design that reconnects New Yorkers and visitors to the waterfront. Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) operates as a non-profit public benefit corporation of the City of New York and is responsible for the stewardship of the park—maintaining its landscapes, maritime infrastructure, and public amenities. BBP develops and delivers dynamic public programming that weaves together arts and culture, recreation, and environmental education to engage, inspire, and serve a diverse community.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Brooklyn Bridge Park provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.