Horticulture and Turfcare Associate

Madison Square Park Conservancy, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,062 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Employee Health Plan

Paid Employee Dental & Vision Plan

401(k) Plan after one year

Professional membership opportunities

Job summary

Madison Square Park Conservancy, Inc. is looking for a Horticulture and Turfcare Associate to oversee the care of urban green spaces. Responsibilities include installation of plantings, maintenance of garden beds, and a variety of administrative tasks related to horticulture.

The ideal candidate should have experience in horticulture and turf care, be able to lift 50 lbs, and work well in various weather conditions. The role offers a salary range of $24.00 to $27.00 per hour, along with comprehensive health benefits.

Qualifications

• Relevant field experience in horticulture or turf grass care.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physically strenuous tasks.
• Must be detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of multi-tasking.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain plantings and garden beds.
• Maintain detailed records of plantings and maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with volunteers and partner groups for special projects.

Skills

Horticulture and turf grass care experience

Knowledge of public horticulture

Physical capacity to lift up to 50 lbs

Technological proficiency (Google Suite, Slack, Zoom)

Attention to detail

Job description

Madison Square Park Conservancy is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever‑evolving, historic green space, including raising 100 % of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

Madison Square Park is Manhattan’s only accredited arboretum and home to several centennial trees. The stunning perennial gardens feature five signature plant collections, ecological gardens, and ornamental flowers. The Conservancy seeks a passionate individual motivated to cultivate vibrant green spaces and bring nature’s beauty to life.

Organizational Structure

• Horticulture and Turfcare Associate reports directly to the Horticulture Manager
• Direct reports to this position: None

Key Responsibilities

• Horticulture
  • Installation of container plantings and temporary exhibitions.
  • Care of perimeter street plantings, garden beds, temporary installations, and Worth Square to industry standards including:
  • Operation of watering tools
  • Weed removal and identification
  • Application of fertilizer and supplements
  • Litter and debris removal
  • Care of turf areas to industry standards including:
  • Operation of irrigation systems
  • Weed removal and identification
  • Application of fertilizer and supplements
  • Operation of heavy equipment such as lawnmowers, string trimmers, aerators, and overseeders
• Administration
  • Maintain detailed records of plantings, fertilizer rates, and maintenance.
  • Respond to emails, Slack, inquiries and requests in a timely manner.
  • Communicate turf and irrigation damage with supervision to develop care plans.
  • Interpret botanical and horticulture subjects for the general public.
  • Advise on horticulture content as it relates to communications and programming.
• Other
  • Snow removal and special projects during winter months.
  • Collaborate with volunteers and partner groups when appropriate.
  • Litter and debris removal.

Qualifications

• Relevant field experience, certificate programs, internships, and volunteer experience in horticulture and turf grass care.
• Knowledge of and passion for public horticulture.
• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs and walk long distances.
• Ability to multi‑task and handle competing priorities.
• Knowledge of technology, including Google Suite, Slack, and Zoom.
• Highly detail‑oriented, field problem‑solvers who can adapt to changing priorities and new opportunities.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous work in various weather conditions alone and in a team environment.

Compensation and Schedule

Salary range is $24.00 – $27.00 per hour based on experience.

• Benefits include Paid Employee Health Plan, Paid Employee Dental & Vision Plan, Vacation/Sick Days, Personal Day, Floating Holidays, 401(k) Plan after a year, commuter benefits, work phone provided, professional membership opportunities.
• 40 hours a week, with the majority of hours required on location. Some schedule flexibility will be required for programs and special events.
• Schedule: Sunday–Thursday 6 AM–2:30 PM

Application instructions

To apply, please submit via email attachment a cover letter and resume including names and complete contact information for three references to [e-mail].

Please be aware that Madison Square Park Conservancy has required Covid‑19 vaccination for all employees. The organization will consider accommodations for disability and religious-based reasons.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Madison Square Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws.

The Conservancy prohibits discrimination against applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre‑employment conviction record or any other characteristic protected by law.