Zone Gardener - Ornamental

Riverside Park Conservancy is the non-profit conservancy that supports the New York City Parks Department in the care and restoration of Riverside Park, one of New York’s flagship parks and a registered Scenic Landmark that runs from 59th Street to 156th Street. Riverside Park Conservancy assists with horticultural care throughout Riverside Park through its zone gardener and volunteer programs.

Riverside Park Conservancy is looking for a full-time Zone Gardener to perform horticultural work in Riverside Park South. The Zone Gardener is part of a team of people working collaboratively to maintain gardens, meadows and lawns in Riverside Park. This hands-on role requires daily work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Maintain and advance horticultural and restoration areas according to Parks Department standards and Conservancy priorities.
• Create and carry out work plans in conjunction with the area supervisor.
• Identify plants and their maintenance needs.
• Care for assigned gardens and landscape areas, adhering to and sustaining approved planting plans on appropriate seasonal schedules.
• Prune, weed, mulch, water, edge beds.
• Engage in periodic turf renovation projects at the direction of the supervisor.
• Work on erosion control projects at the direction of the supervisor.
• Work closely with the Grassroots Volunteer Program. Plan and carry out logistics for large volunteer projects.
• Work closely with and support individual volunteers in the care of their assigned areas.
• Layout and install new plant material with direction from the horticultural director.
• Maintain a small pollinator meadow area.
• Collect and remove trash and debris, sweep paths and stairs, install and maintain temporary fencing, remove snow and ice.
• Must be able to safety and effectively operate basic power tools including leaf blowers, reticulating shears and string trimmers.
• Periodically repair fencing as required.
• Monitor and maintain signage in section.
• Monitor and remove debris from catchbasins in section.
• Utilize asset management app (Cartegraph) for record keeping and work order close out.
• Safely operate UTV or truck throughout section and manage charging and proper sign-outs/ sign-ins for assigned UTV or truck.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds with proper tools.
• At least one-year full-time experience in horticultural or restoration work, including planting and caring for plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns, and general groundskeeping as described above.
• Ability to operate gas and battery powered tools such as leaf blowers, string trimmers, reticulating shears, mowers and brush hogs is a must.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven/sloped terrain.
• Must have strong time management and communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with volunteers, clients, or the general public.

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New York, NY 10025: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $27