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 Full or Part‑Time Terrace Gardener will report to and work with GCC’s Garden Senior Manager to maintain multiple green spaces throughout Gowanus, Brooklyn – promoting biodiversity, functionality, and beauty. Sites will include terraces, rooftops, and residential or private garden spaces throughout the Gowanus neighborhood and waterfront buildings in the Gowanus Lowlands.

The ideal candidate is passionate about gardening, has interest in and knowledge about northeastern, southeastern, and central American native plants and green infrastructure, is comfortable working independently, 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 community.

• Certificate, diploma, or degree in Horticulture or a closely related field, and/or equivalent hands‑on experience in horticulture of 2+ years
• Strong skills in plant identification, pest and disease management, pruning, planting, and problem solving
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn and employ ecological horticulture practices
• Knowledge of NYC native plants and common weeds
• Knowledge of green infrastructure functionality and maintenance
• Highly detail oriented, neat, organized, and committed to quality work
• Experience coordinating logistics in the field
• 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

• Gardening & Site Maintenance
  • Perform weekly oversight and maintenance to keep sites healthy, functional, and beautiful.
  • Perform seasonal horticulture tasks in a detailed and quality manner
  • Water plantings and maintain on‑site irrigation systems
  • Perform pest, disease, and invasive plant management as needed
• Planning & Tracking
  • Track and report plantings and plant performance using GCC’s plant database
  • Track and report 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

• 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/pulling and carrying, etc. up to 40 lbs for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires communicating information with manager and co‑workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading correspondence and/or instructions; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms

Please submit resume, cover letter, and 2 references by February 28, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.