Gardener

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

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, and plants in all garden beds, retaining walls, artificial hills, rain gardens, stairways, paths, and surrounding plazas as well as seasonal projects related to soil health, nursery production, seed collection, and volunteer events at UTK. Gardeners work alongside the Maintenance Crew to keep the park free from litter, debris, pet waste, and weeds. Gardeners may also support offsite gardening efforts in other open green spaces cared for by NBKParks as needed. This role reports to the UTK Park Manager, with oversight from the Director of Horticulture & Stewardship, and will work closely with other team members focused on UTK site operations, horticultural activities, and events and programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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, and supporting ecological restoration 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

• 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

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

This is a full-time seasonal position from April 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025, with an opportunity for extension. The Gardener schedule is typically Monday through Friday, but staff should expect to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays as needed. 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, and accepted no later than February 28, 2025. 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.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Brooklyn, NY 11222: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $25