Assistant Garden Manager/Groundskeeper at Brooklyn Grange, LLC – Brooklyn, New York

TITLE: ASSISTANT GARDEN MANAGER (Groundskeeper)

DEPT: DESIGN/BUILD/MAINTENANCE

LOCATION: BROOKLYN, NY (Brooklyn Navy Yard + Sunset Park)

JOB TYPE: PART TIME SEASONAL, WITH POTENTIAL FOR FULL TIME WORK

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Brooklyn Grange seeks a focused, positive, hardworking gardener to maintain the ornamental gardens on our rooftop farms and to help maintain our off-site, client based gardens. The Design/Build Maintenance (DBM) division is charged with the care of varied sites that include terraces, in ground gardens, tree beds, indoor green walls and tropicals, green roofs, and edible landscapes. The Assistant Garden Manager is an aesthetically driven, diligent self starter who can maintain and execute Brooklyn Grange’s standards for landscaped indoor and outdoor gardens. The position reports to the Head of Horticulture and Maintenance.

SCHEDULE:

• Minimum 24 hours per week, May–November

• On-site at Brooklyn Grange rooftop farms at least three days per week

• Some days begin as early as 6:00 AM

• Additional hours may be available to round out a full time schedule
  
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Management and maintenance of the ornamental spaces on two of Brooklyn Grange’s rooftop farms, located in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Navy Yard and Sunset Park, with some maintenance of client gardens throughout NYC

• Create and execute task lists for day-to-day maintenance work and prioritize tasks based on urgency

• Manage irrigation systems for Brooklyn Grange’s ornamental gardens

• Oversee and perform all aspects of plant maintenance, including seed starting, planting, pest and disease management, pruning, deadheading, mowing, weeding, weed wacking, mulching, lawn maintenance, bed preparation, planting, irrigating, irrigation repairs, holiday decor, and cleaning/sweeping.

• Train, support, and lead a small team of gardeners

• Coordinate with the DBM team on plant selection, plant orders, van use, and other logistical matters for Brooklyn Grange’s ornamental gardens

• Participate in plant runs to Long Island nurseries as-needed

• Regularly communicate with department management and team.

• Maintain tidy workspaces, including tool storage and plant nursery

• Record daily tasks and garden observations in company record keeping system

• Assist with other administrative tasks, client sites, and facilities work as-needed.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has 2+ years of experience in landscape and garden maintenance.

• Holds a strong understanding of Eastern plants of zones 4 through 7b including: plant ID’s, growth habits, bloom times, training requirements, and preferred soil types.

• Has a strong understanding of irrigation system management.

• Has some carpentry experience and is able to handle power tools

• Is a doer and demonstrates initiative: upon finishing a task, will begin undertaking another; thinks big picture while also being attentive to the details. Looks ahead to determine what needs to get done. Can multitask and prioritize workload.

• Is energetic, punctual, eager to learn new skills, and has a great work ethic.

• Is comfortable working alone, or with a team

• Is adaptable to a variety of clients and settings, and at all times demonstrates professionalism, respect for client spaces, and good judgment.

• Is comfortable working on rooftops, near ledges, and at other heights, while wearing appropriate safety gear.

• Can lift 50 lbs. repeatedly, and can squat, kneel, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time.

• Has a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and is comfortable driving in New York City in minivans, and cargo vans

WHAT WE’RE OFFERING:

• A progressive work environment that values teamwork, learning, and a solutions-oriented mindset. We work hard, we problem-solve, and we aim to approach challenges with curiosity and care.

• Hourly Rate of $27.00

• Employer matched up to 3% - Simple IRA, Retirement Savings Plan

• Generous Paid Time Off policy

• Floating Holiday Benefit as eligible

• Discounted Employee CSA offering

• Access to NYC’s most delicious vegetables when in season

Brooklyn Grange is committed to supporting a diverse and multicultural team, and fostering an inclusive workplace. We consider all individuals for employment without regard to race, religion, age, sex, gender, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, familial status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you don’t meet every requirement of this position, but you are excited about the role and your past/lived experience meet some of the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.