Temporary Gardener

Brooklyn Botanic Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NYC Protected Time-Off: 56 hours paid,

Short-term disability

Museum Pass

Free Garden admission for employee +1

Job summary

Brooklyn Botanic Garden seeks a Temporary Gardener to support the Orchid and Aquatic House under the Horticulture department director and Conservatory foreperson.

The position runs from November 2026 through August 2027, Monday–Friday, at $28 per hour, and is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt role with duties including planting, pruning, IPM, and record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Two years of college study in horticulture or associate's degree, or three years of paid experience maintaining trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
• Ability to obtain pesticide apprentice certification and pass exams or tests as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of horticulture in grounds and Conservatory, including planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and weed control.
• Inspect collections for pest problems and apply IPM techniques.
• Supervise temporary workers and volunteers, training them in gardening techniques and safe equipment handling.
• Maintain records, inventory reports, and logbooks; submit quarterly reports to the director of Horticulture.

Skills

Horticulture

IPM

Record keeping

Education

Two years' college study in horticulture

Tools

Pesticide certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Temporary Gardener

Temporary Manual Labor Brooklyn, NY, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1315

Position Title: Temporary Gardener
Department: Horticulture
Reports to: Manager of Horticulture & Conservatory Foreperson
Compensation: $28 per hour
Schedule: Monday-Friday; this is a temporary position expected to start November 2026 and extend through August 2027.
FLSA Status: Full-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

Position Description:

The temporary gardener for the Orchid and Aquatic House performs gardening and related work under the guidance of the director of Horticulture and general supervision of the Conservatory foreperson.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all aspects of horticulture both on the grounds and in the Conservatory, including planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, mulching, and caring for trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants.
• Inspect collections to identify pest problems and treat such problems using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
• Supervise assigned subordinate employees, including temporary workers and volunteers, instructing them in gardening techniques and in the proper use and care of materials and equipment.
• Adhere to the policies of the Horticulture department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• Keep records, including timely submission of plant inventory control reports and label requests; keep a logbook of plant collections and job-related activities; submit quarterly reports to director of Horticulture.
• As directed, perform various tasks for general grounds and Conservatory care and Brooklyn Botanic Garden events.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

• Two years' college study and/or associate's degree in the field of horticulture; or

three years' full-time, paid experience in maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, with a preference for conservatory plants and orchids; or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience

• Holds and maintains a 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: Basic understanding of greenhouse and nursery mechanical systems
• Preferred: Knowledge of indoor living collections, curation, and plant recording
• Preferred: Experience with outdoor container gardening and indoor plant displays
• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
• 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
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG's retail shop and food venues

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 [e-mail] .

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