Job Description
Job Description
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
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
To be considered for this position, please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.
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 hr@bbg.org.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.