Nursery Technician

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

The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance seeks two (2) Nursery Technicians for Under the K Bridge Park, where they will support the care, health, and maintenance of all plants grown and cared for within the park’s Native Nursery. Technicians will report to the Nursery Manager, and be responsible for tasks ranging from sowing seeds to managing soil and water requirements; from keeping away pests to assisting in all aspects of growing plants used for study, donation, internal use, and for sale. Daily tasks include monitoring and verifying the tracking of germination and seasonal incoming and outgoing nursery stocks, watering and supporting the efficient use of water on site, up-potting and repotting plants, and supporting the health and management of nursery plants and materials needed, including soil, soil amendments, seeds, labeling and storage, tools, equipment and information for internal and public use.

This role is critical to furthering our mission to provide equitable access to thriving parks across all North Brooklyn Parks and open spaces; the majority of plants grown in our nursery are meant to support vibrant native and novel ecosystems across the neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• General gardening and garden maintenance work in and surrounding the nursery. Tasks include but are not limited to, soil health and cultivation, nursery seedling and plant care, deadheading, thinning, raking, edging, care of nursery plantings, seed collection, pruning, planting, staking, watering, weeding, and supporting ecological restoration efforts of our horticultural teams
• Contribute to the ongoing documentation of horticultural practices, plant performance, and phenological observations, including germination rates, plant mortality, and soil mixtures, anticipating and planning nursery daily, weekly, and seasonal schedules and calendars
• Supporting Nursery Manager in ongoing nursery tasks in all weather
• 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
• Support horticultural and programming staff members with special events as needed (ie, Garden Club)
• Work collaboratively with Horticultural Civic Corps members through Horticultural Fellowships, Garden Club, and other volunteer events to utilize community volunteers and stewards in nursery activities and goals.
• Support Maintenance Crew Members as needed (i.e., picking up trash in and around the nursery environment)
• Act as an NBKParks Ambassador while at work and to all UTK visitors
• Take care of tools, equipment, and machines. Report needed repairs or maintenance
• Gather samples for study, make observations, compile data, and enter it into appropriate software
• Maintain cleanliness of nurseries

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of prior experience in gardening, landscaping, or horticulture, preferably in a native plant nursery setting
• Able to perform physical labor during a full shift, including the ability to lift 50 lbs, 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
• Excellent plant identification skills, including the ability to differentiate between native and invasive plants and seedlings in particular
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, nuanced regional ecological practices related to landscapes, native plants, pollinators, songbirds, and other related themes and life
• Able to implement detailed seasonal nursery plans as directed by management
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position
• 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
• Maintain the highest standards of personal and public safety; follow all policies/procedures, risk management, and safety precautions
• Report unsafe conditions or concerns to a supervisor
• 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 Nursery Technician 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 NURSERY TECHNICIAN” 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
• 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