Full-Time Assistant Gardener
Job Description
Mission
Updated by Board of Trustees on December 15, 2009
Queens Botanical Garden is an urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are
celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs
and demonstrations of environmental stewardship.
Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is a private non-profit cultural institution located on 39 acres of New York City public land in Flushing, New York. In FY19, the Garden served over 250,000 visitors, including 32,000 schoolchildren, and 48,215 through outreach efforts offsite. A recently completed visitor survey reveals that 45% of visitors speak a language other than English at home. This fact underscores the importance of the mission and the challenges and opportunities QBG faces daily in creating programs, exhibits and landscapes that serve the needs of people who live in and visit one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the nation. The Garden has committed itself to addressing the complex and ever changing needs of its diverse community and to being the place where people, plants and cultures meet.
General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities
Under supervision, assists in and performs gardening work; performs related work.
Examples of Typical Tasks
Under supervision, assists in and performs tasks such as planting, cultivating and caring for trees, flowers, plants, shrubs and other flora.
Assists in and performs tasks such as digging up, balling, burlapping and transplanting trees and shrubs. Digs up and transplants sod. Pots flowers and plants. Propagates plant life.
Assists in and performs tasks involved in maintenance and operations of greenhouses and nurseries.
Assists in preparation of soil and seed beds. Receives training to grade, sod, weed, mulch and mow lawns. Assists in repairing damaged planted areas, fertilizing and watering soil. Is trained in pruning and spraying trees, shrubs and plants and assists with integrated pest control.
Assists in and performs tasks involved in operation and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment. Makes necessary operating adjustments to same; reports needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor.
Performs simple recordkeeping and prepares simple written reports.
Drives vehicles and operates any other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
May supervise subordinate seasonal employees, as well as volunteers.
As directed, performs various tasks in connection with cleaning of grounds including removal of snow, trash and other obstructions and painting of fixtures and equipment.
Qualification Requirements
- One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following: Planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns; or
- Thirty credits, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture or a related field, from an accredited college or community college; or a certificate from a recognized horticultural or botanical program; or
- Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above.
License Requirements
Candidate must possess a Motor Vehicle Driver’s License valid in the State of New York.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants will be required to pass a written and/or practical test.
- Applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to pass an exam by a doctor.
- Good communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
- May involve weekend, evening and emergency (for example, snow removal) work.
Strength in several of the following is desired:
- Experience and ability to use and perform basic maintenance of chain saw, backhoe/frontloader, chipper, and other botanical garden tools and equipment.
- Interest in/knowledge of plant records management (research, identification, labeling, and signage) and collections management software (such as IrisBG).
- Interest in/knowledge of native and invasive plants and sustainability.
Salary
Hiring Rate: $43,410
Incumbent Rate: $49,992
Maximum: $62,479
Note: Roman type is taken directly from city job descriptions. Italics added by Queens Botanical Garden staff.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to submit your resume and cover letter via our applicant portal. Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration status, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources.1185 total views, 0 today