Part-Time Gardener (Seasonal) 

Position Description

Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) is a community-based non-profit organization that serves as an environmental steward for the Gowanus Canal watershed. The Part-Time Gardener will report to and work with GCC’s Senior Garden Manager to maintain multiple green spaces throughout Gowanus, Brooklyn - promoting biodiversity, functionality, and beauty. Sites may include right-of-way rain gardens and streetside gardens throughout the Gowanus neighborhood, the Lowlands Nursery at the 9th Street Bridge, and waterfront esplanades in the Gowanus Lowlands. The ideal candidate is passionate about gardening, has interest in and knowledge about NYC native plants and green infrastructure, is comfortable working independently along busy city streets and in public spaces, and can efficiently coordinate logistics with other staff members and volunteers. The gardener will also be a GCC ambassador in the field and should be comfortable interfacing with the public and speaking about the value of green infrastructure, biodiversity and public space. 

Qualifications

  • 3+ years experience in horticulture and community-based stewardship, including skills in weeding, watering, plant identification, pest and disease management, pruning, and planting
  • Experience coordinating logistics in the field
  • Knowledge of NYC native plants and common weeds
  • Knowledge of green infrastructure functionality and maintenance
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • This position requires using personal phone to communicate while in the field
  • A NYC driver's license and comfort driving a 9’ cargo van in the city is a plus


Responsibilities

  • Gardening & Site Maintenance 
    • Perform weekly maintenance to keep sites healthy, functional, and beautiful. 
    • Provide weekly removal of litter in and around each site
    • Perform re-grading and sediment management as needed
    • Perform seasonal horticulture tasks
    • Water plantings and maintain on-site irrigation systems
    • Perform pest, disease, and invasive plant management as needed
  • Planning & Tracking
    • Track plantings and plant performance using GCC’s plant database
    • Track sites, damage to site infrastructure, and additional irregularities
  • Community Engagement
    • Interface with public and provide information about GCC’s work and the benefits of green infrastructure

Physical Requirements

  • Work is mostly performed outdoors in an urban environment, including in adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow
  • Requires using hand tools where carelessness could result in injury; standing or walking for extended periods of time; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, and/or pulling; use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Requires moderate physical exertion - lifting, pushing, and carrying, etc. up to 30 lbs for prolonged periods of time.
  • Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading correspondence and/or instructions; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms

Hours & Compensation

$27-29/hour, based on experience, paid as a part-time temporary staff member for up to 3 days (24 hours) per week. Schedule will be coordinated with the candidate.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter by April 14. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the development of a resilient, vibrant, open space network centered on the Gowanus Canal through activating and empowering community stewardship of the Gowanus Watershed. Gowanus Canal Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds to apply. GCC strongly recommends that employees stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the CDC.