Assistant Gardener - Arboretum & Grounds

Application deadline for this position is May 23, 2023.
Must be able to pass a written and practical exam; date and location to be announced.
The Assistant Gardener – Arboretum & Grounds under supervision, performs gardening work and performs related work.

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.

The New York Botanical Garden is committed to an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, and further recognizes that diversity in our workforce fosters excellence in our mission of advocating for the plants of the world. Leveraging the strong foundation of existing policies and practices, NYBG will advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility through a number of institutional initiatives. Our aspiration is to continue to cultivate a workforce and institution that is as diverse as the communities we serve and the audiences we engage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• As directed, performs various tasks in connection with cleaning of grounds and painting of fixtures and equipment, as required.
• Assists in and performs tasks such as digging up, balling & burlapping, and transplanting trees and shrubs. Digs up and transplants sod. Pots annuals, perennials, and woody plants. Propagates plants.
• Assists in and performs tasks involved with maintenance and operations of the greenhouse and nurseries.
• Assists with and performs such tasks as planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, annuals, and bulbs.
• Assists with pruning, grooming, watering, fertilizing, and deadheading bulbs, annuals, perennials, herbaceous plants, woody shrubs, and trees.
• Assists in preparation of soil and seed beds. Assists with grading, laying sod, weeding, mulching, and mowing lawns.
• Drives vehicles and operates any other motorized equipment related to the performance of duties.
• May supervise subordinate seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Keep simple records and write reports as required.
• Assists with and performs tasks involved in the operation of and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment. Makes necessary operating adjustments to same. Reports needs for repairs and replacements to same.
• Assists with and performs tasks involved with plant health care program.
• Assist in repairing planting areas, fertilizing, and watering. Is trained in and assists with pruning and spraying of trees, shrubs, and other plants.

Requirements:

• The ability to follow instructions and to work as part of a team.
• A certificate from a recognized horticultural or botanical program, or
• One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following: planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to any of the above.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License valid in the State of New York at time of appointment.
• The ability to perform strenuous physical tasks in a variety of conditions.
• Thirty credits, at least fifteen of which, must be in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field from an accredited college or community college and one year of full-time gardening work experience as described above, or

Hiring Rate: $43,410/yr.
Incumbent Rate: $49,922/yr.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at [email protected].