Gardener

Position Title: Gardener

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Manager of Horticulture & Foreperson of Grounds

FLSA Status: Full-time, Nonexempt

Grade: Union

Position Description:

Under the guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the manager of Horticulture and the foreperson of grounds, the gardener performs gardening and related work on the grounds and/or conservatories, specifically focusing on the care and cultivation of roses in the Cranford Rose Garden.

• This is a general gardener position and while the current staffing plan requires work on grounds, this may change and the incumbent may be reassigned to a different area of the Garden, as the Garden deems appropriate.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Engage in all aspects of horticulture both on the grounds and in the conservatories, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, shrubs, flowers, lawns, and other flora.
• Inspect and identify pest problems and treat such problems using Integrated Pest Management techniques.
• Select, propagate, design, and purchase plants, following appropriate horticultural procedures.
• Operate and maintain hand- and power-gardening tools and small equipment, including making necessary operating adjustments and reporting need for repair and replacement.
• Operate large power-gardening equipment, such as a tractor, mower, rototiller, roller, or sprayer, as needed.
• Supervise assigned subordinate employees, including temporary workers and volunteers, and instruct them in gardening techniques and in the proper use and care of materials and equipment.
• Keep and submit records in a timely fashion, including plant inventory control reports and label requests; keep a log of plant collections and job-related activities; and submit quarterly reports to director of Gardens and Grounds.
• As directed, perform various tasks in connection with general grounds and conservatory care and Garden events.
• Adhere to the policies of the Horticulture department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden generally.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

• Two (2) years’ college and/or associate degree related to horticulture

OR
Three (3) years’ full-time, paid experience in the following:

• Maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and lawns, and
• Operation and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment

OR
Satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a physical examination by a doctor, verifying fitness to perform job functions
• Ability to pass written examination and/or practical test
• Ability to obtain and maintain pesticide apprentice certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of rose classifications and species along with their specific care requirements
• Strong understanding of rose health and disease identification
• Expertise in proper pruning and deadheading techniques for roses
• Full attention to detail and aesthetic considerations
• Ability to work independently and with groups

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range – $62,810 -$72,232
  
  Brooklyn Botanic Garden considers several factors when determining the appropriate salary to offer a candidate within the listed salary range. These factors include (but are not limited to), the scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate’s relevant work experience and education/training, prior union/ DC37 experience (for union positions), job skills, equity across the institution, as well as market and organizational considerations.
  
• BBG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  
  • Health Insurance that begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New York’s Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans, some at no cost to the employee.
  • Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
  • Pre-Tax Benefits including flexible spending, dependent care, transit/parking accounts
  • CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off including sick time, vacation time, and 13 annual holidays
  • As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
  • Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free

To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at hr@bbg.org.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.