Zone Gardener — Ornamental

Riversideparknyc; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Commuter benefits

Flexible spending

Generous paid leave

Job summary

A non-profit park conservancy is seeking a full-time Zone Gardener to perform horticultural work in Riverside Park South. The ideal candidate will maintain gardens, assist volunteers, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Responsibilities include plant care, landscape management, and teamwork. A valid driver's license and horticultural experience are required. Competitive compensation includes medical benefits, 401(k) match, and paid leave. Applicants should submit a resume to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds with tools.
• At least one year of experience in horticulture or landscaping.

Responsibilities

• Maintain horticultural areas as per standards.
• Create work plans with supervisor.
• Identify plants and maintenance needs.
• Prune, weed, and mulch gardens.
• Engage in turf renovation and volunteer projects.

Skills

Horticultural skills

Time management

Communication skills

Ability to operate power tools

Tools

Leaf blowers

String trimmers

Mowers

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.

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 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.
• Layout and install new plant material with direction from 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 of fulltime experience in horticultural, landscape or restoration work, including planting and caring for plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns, and general grounds keeping 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 workorder close out.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay Rate: $24-$27/ hour

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to [e-mail] with “Zone Gardener” in the subject line.

We offer a competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, 401(k)+match, commuter benefits, flexible spending, and generous paid leave.

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.