Gardener

The High Line

The High Line is a new public open space on a disused, elevated rail structure on the west side of Manhattan. Built between 1929 and 1934 to carry rail freight, the High Line runs from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street. The High Line has been unused for freight transportation since 1980. It is now owned by the City of New York, under the jurisdiction of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR). The High Line is managed by Friends of the High Line (FHL)—the City’s non-profit partner in the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of the park, in collaboration with the Department of Parks & Recreation.

Friends of the High Line works to build and maintain an extraordinary public park on the High Line. We seek to preserve the entire historic structure, transforming an essential piece of New York’s industrial past. Through stewardship, innovative design and programming, and excellence in operations, we cultivate a vibrant community around the High Line.

Job Description
The Gardener will be a full-time, year-round employee of Friends of the High Line, and an integral part of FHL’s Park Operations team. Under the general supervision of Vice President of Park Operations and the Horticulture Foreman, the Gardener will be responsible for the year-round care and maintenance of the High Line’s landscape and grounds. Working interactively with a team of gardeners, custodians, maintenance technicians and High Line administrators, the Gardener’s responsibilities will include all aspects of monitoring, caring for, and reporting on designated park zones, including diverse plantings, hardscape elements, and public use of the park.

Primary tasks

Care for diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs;

Perform seasonal landscape work including planting, pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting, leaf removal;

Actively promote and contribute to the High Line’s sustainability initiatives in landscape and park management;

Act as an ambassador for Friend’s of the High Line, answering questions for park visitors about horticulture, High Line history and design, and general park information;

Supervise volunteers (individuals and groups) and Youth Corps in horticulture tasks;

Lead horticultural tours and assist with special programs, as needed;

Assist with training and support of seasonal gardeners and interns;

Document, report, and catalog plant-related information;

Scout for pests and disease;

General clean-up of garden beds and paths, clean-up litter;

Stage equipment, supplies, and materials for daily horticulture operations;

Hand-water and monitor irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought;

Maintain tools and equipment;

Participate in ice and snow removal.

Qualifications

Two or more years horticultural experience with in-depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance, and identification;

Degree/Certification in horticulture or related field preferred;

Able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed;

Applicant may be required to pass written and practical exam;

Computer-literate;

Ability to operate electric equipment, power tools;

Must be a team-player, willing to collaborate on any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of landscape management and operations;

Valid NY state drivers license;

Pesticide Applicator’s license.

To Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to parkops@thehighline.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted.

Friends of the High Line is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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