Assistant Gardener Arboretum & Grounds

Assistant Gardener for Arboretum & Grounds

New York Botanical Garden

Final date to receive applications:
January 21st, 2026

Under supervision, assists with and performs gardening and related work, including installing, maintaining, and general care of living collections, gardens, and turf throughout the 250 acres of the New York Botanical Garden.

• Assists with and performs tasks such as mowing, trimming, cleaning, repairing, renovating, and installing lawns.
• Assists with weeding, edging, mulching, and grooming planting beds and tree rings.
• Assists with planting, grooming, pruning, and cutting back perennials.
• Assists with watering plants outdoors and under glass. Assists in maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Assists with moving plants throughout the garden.
• Assists with cleaning equipment, landscapes, and work areas.
• Removes snow and ice from landscapes, and treats pathways to prevent buildup.
• Assists with trimming of trees, hedges and other plants.
• Assists with plant health care program, including monitoring.
• Assists in tree care operations.
• Keeps simple records and writes reports as required.
• May supervise junior employees, volunteers, and students.
• Inspects equipment, such as utility carts and mowers, and records results on written reports; promptly notifies supervisors when issues arise; assists in maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Performs various tasks related to cleaning of grounds and painting of fixtures and equipment.
• Operates equipment and wears appropriate PPE in accordance with training.
• Other tasks related to the care of the landscape.

• One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs, and lawns and operating equipment; OR
• Thirty credits, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field from an accredited college or community; OR
• A certificate from a recognized horticultural or botanical program; OR
• Education and/or experience equivalent to any of the above.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks in a variety of conditions.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License valid in the State of New York at time of appointment or the ability to obtain a license within three months of employment.

• Employee required to work outdoors in all weather conditions, stand, sit, crouch, kneel, walk, operate lifts and other machinery, climb ladders, use hand tools and power equipment, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Tasks performed repetitively.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Full-time role, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
• Must occasionally work on weekends when scheduled.
• Must be available to work some overtime as needed throughout the year.

$50,448

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR.