Naval Cemetery Landscape and Greenways Seasonal Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: April 23  Compensation: $22/hr

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) seeks a part-time seasonal Gardener for the Naval Cemetery Landscape (NCL), an award-winning 1.7-acre contemplative memorial park along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Naval Cemetery Landscape and Greenways Seasonal Gardener (Gardener) position entails horticultural and visitor services responsibilities, and includes ensuring the proper use and maintenance of the space for visitors and program partners as they enjoy its meandering elevated boardwalk, "sacred bench," tens of thousands of native plants, and dozens of species of pollinators.  Gardeners will also work with volunteer groups at the NCL and along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway at other locations for stewardship events.

Responsibilities/Duties

The Gardener reports directly to the Director of Horticulture and Greenway Stewardship and collaborates with other team members focused on NCL site operations, public outreach and communications, and events and stewardship programs. The Gardener is responsible for four main areas of work:

Visitor Services

  • Greet and engage visitors; provide information about the cultural and natural history of the NCL in a courteous and professional manner to a diverse audience of visitors and local residents 
  • Ensure proper use of the space by visitors, i.e. staying on the boardwalk, not riding bikes in the Landscape, etc.
  • Track daily visitation and attendance at programs
  • Represent and promote BGI and its broader vision and mission to NCL visitors. This include staying up to date on  Brooklyn’s greenway system (including BWG); BGI’s programmatic priorities; and ways to support BGI through donating, volunteering, engaging on social media, etc
  • Assist with special events at the NCL, on the Greenway, and other locations as needed
  • Contribute social media content in the form of photos and/or informative blurbs

Horticulture

  • General meadow maintenance work. Tasks include, but are not limited to: weeding and ecological restoration, soil cultivation, deadheading, thinning, raking, edging, seed sowing, pruning, and planting
  • Contribute to the ongoing documentation of horticultural practices, plant performance, management of the space, and phenological observations
  • Use hand tools and basic power machinery, including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers 
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of horticultural management strategies to serve the aesthetic and ecological needs of the space
  • Maintain street trees along Williamsburg Street West

Maintenance & Operations

  • Remove litter from within the NCL and entrance area along Williamsburg Street West
  • Remove snow and/or apply non-caustic ice melt to allow visitation during snow events
  • Report damage to signage, hardscape, planted areas and/or lighting
  • Maintain tools, equipment and supplies in good working order

Programs & Partnerships

  • Collaborate with Director of Horticulture and team to craft and facilitate program offerings
  • Serve as BGI's on-site point of contact for program partners and arranged group visits
  • Work with volunteers and/or interns as scheduled
  • Perform program introductions and brief overviews or tours of the Landscape 
  • Be knowledgeable about BGI priorities; program areas; and calls to action (donate, volunteer, follow communications channels)
  • Other greenway priorities such as participating in and leading stewardship and horticultural work at other greenway locations.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Experience with visitor services, preferably in an outdoor public setting
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in horticulture 
  • Strong plant identification skills, with a focus on NYC natives and invasives
  • Interest in outdoor environments, cultural landscapes, native plants and pollinators, and similar
  • Integrated pest management experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of ecological practices
  • Ability to use hand tools and light power equipment
  • Demonstrated record of reliability; ability to work independently; self-starting 
  • Must be an enthusiastic team-player, willing to collaborate on tasks; commitment to shared goals
  • Availability to work regular weekend shifts; potential for additional shifts may arise for special programs and events
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Degree/certification/experience in landscape management or horticulture a plus

Additional Information

Schedule and Salary Details

The NCL & Greenways Seasonal Gardener is a part-time, seasonal, non-exempt position.
Schedule: April Until November, one to three days/week [schedules vary], hours vary  9:00am – 7:00pm

Compensation: $22/hour

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, 2 professional references, and resume to BGI's Director of Horticulture and Greenway Stewardship , at arossi@brooklyngreenway.org with NCL Seasonal Gardener in the subject line. We will contact only those individuals whose applications are being considered.

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative 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.

Contact Information

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
Email: arossi@brooklyngreenway.org