Zone Gardener

Riversideparknyc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) benefits

Health care

Paid time off

Job summary

Riverside Park Conservancy recruits a full-time Zone Gardener to perform hands-on horticultural and restoration work in Riverside Park. The role involves maintaining gardens, woodlands, meadows and lawns, coordinating with a supervisor, and working outdoors daily in all weather.

The position emphasizes collaboration with volunteers and park patrons to sustain planting plans and routines. Ideal candidates will have at least one year of relevant full-time experience, a valid driver's license, and

Qualifications

• Must have a Driver’s License.
• At least one year of full-time horticultural/landscape/restoration experience.
• Ability to operate gas and battery powered tools (leaf blowers, string trimmers, etc.).
• Willingness to work outdoors daily in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Strong time management and communication skills; able to use tech tools for records.
• Ability to work with volunteers and park patrons; good collaboration.
• Able to life up to 40 lbs with proper tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain horticultural and restoration areas according to Parks Department standards and Conservancy priorities.
• Create and carry out work plans with area supervisor.
• Identify plants and their maintenance needs.
• Care for assigned gardens and landscapes per approved planting plans.
• Prune, weed, mulch, water, edge beds; seasonal turf renovations as directed.
• Plan/logistics for large volunteer projects with Grassroots Volunteer Program.

Skills

Driver's License

Outdoor work

Tool operation

Time management

Communication skills

Job description

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 59 th Street to 156 th Street. Riverside Park Conservancy assists with horticultural care throughout Riverside Park through its zone gardener and volunteer programs.

Position Summary

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

Major Tasks & 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 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 schedule.
• Prune, weed, mulch, water, edge beds.
• Engage in periodic turf renovation projects at direction of 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.
• Assist with large events in the park as needed.
• Layout and install new plant material with direction from horticultural director.
• Maintain woodland habitats.
• 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

• Driver’s License
• At least one year of full-time experience in horticultural, landscape, 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 daily in all weather conditions and on uneven/sloped terrain.
• Must have strong time management and communications skills
• Must be able to use tech tools daily for record keeping and work order close out.
• Must be able to work effectively with volunteers and park patrons.
• This role requires consistently strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals in varied capacities.
• Must be able to life up to 40lbs with proper tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of relevant experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in maintenance of woodland garden areas.
• Ability to operate a small dump truck.

Rate: $24-$27/ hour

Riverside Park Conservancy provides a competitive benefits package, including 401(k), health care, and paid time off. Pay rate is commensurate with experience.

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.