Temporary Gardener

Temporary Gardener

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

Benefits:

• 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