Zone Gardener

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Compensation: $23-$27 per hour

Riverside Park Conservancy (“RPC”) is looking for a full-time Zone Gardener to perform horticultural and restoration work in Riverside Park. The Zone Gardener is part of a team of people working collaboratively to maintain gardens, woodlands, meadows and lawns in Riverside Park. This hands-on role requires daily work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.

Riverside Park Conservancy partners with the City of New York to restore, maintain, and improve Riverside Park—a six-mile stretch spanning five parks along Manhattan’s Hudson River, from 59th Street to 181st Street. RPC also provides free public programming and advocates for city-wide park equity and resilient urban ecosystems. Over the past 35 years, RPC has transformed Riverside Park from a state of neglect into a welcoming oasis.

Responsibilities/Duties

Maintain and advance horticultural and restoration areas according to Parks Department standards and Conservancy priorities.
Create and carry out work plans in conjunction with the area supervisor.
Identify plants and their maintenance needs.
Care for assigned gardens and landscape areas, adhering to and sustaining approved planting plans on appropriate seasonal schedules.
Prune, weed, mulch, water, edge beds.
Engage in periodic turf renovation projects at the direction of the supervisor.
Work on erosion control projects at the direction of the supervisor.
Work closely with the Grassroots Volunteer Program. Plan and carry out logistics for large volunteer projects.
Work closely with and support individual volunteers in the care of their assigned areas.
Install new plant material with direction from the horticultural director.
Collect and remove trash and debris; sweep paths and stairs; install and maintain temporary fencing; remove snow and ice.
Must be able to safely and effectively operate basic power tools, including leaf blowers, reticulating shears, and weedwhackers.
Periodically repair fencing as required.
Monitor and maintain signage in the assigned section.
Monitor and remove debris from catchbasins in the section.
Utilize an asset management app (Cartegraph) to monitor and close out work orders.
Safely operate UTV or truck throughout section and manage charging and proper sign-outs/ sign-ins for assigned UTV or truck.
Perform other assigned duties as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

At least one-year full-time experience in horticultural or restoration work, including planting and caring for plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns, and general groundskeeping as described above.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds with proper tools.
Ability to operate gas and battery powered tools such as leaf blowers, string trimmers, reticulating shears, mowers and brush hogs is a must.
Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven/sloped terrain.
Must have strong time management and communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with volunteers, clients, or the general public.
Experience in trail management and ecological restoration.
Ability to operate a small dump truck.

Additional Information

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to jobs@riversideparknyc.org with “Zone Gardener” in the subject line.

We offer a competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, 401(k)+match, commuter benefits, flexible spending, and generous paid leave.

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Contact Information

Riverside Park Conservancy
Email: jobs@riversideparknyc.org