Seasonal Farmer

About This Opportunity

QBG Farm is a place where New Yorkers can participate and learn about urban farming through tours, workshops, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Fruit and vegetables are grown with a focus on soil health and care, without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Crops harvested are distributed at our weekly farm stand and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, as well as shared with interns, volunteers, and donated to local food relief programs.

Queens Botanical Garden seeks a seasonal farmer for the QBG Farm. The Seasonal Farmer will support the Farm Manager in running and maintaining a one-acre farm of mixed vegetable, fruit, and flower production and educational site. This position includes working with interns, volunteers, and visiting public groups. We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with prior farming experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Seed starting, direct seeding, and transplanting
• Greenhouse management
• Drip irrigation & overhead watering
• Harvesting & post-harvest handling, including farm stand and CSA distribution
• Record keeping
• Care for flowers and shrubs
• Pest & disease ID and management
• Nutrient management with a focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Plant and site maintenance
• Assisting with tours, volunteer groups, and workshops

Qualifications

• Prior experience working on a vegetable farm or garden for a minimum of one season
• Self-motivated, excellent communicator, with the ability to work alone as well as with others
• Experience in working with and leading adult and youth volunteers
• Ability to help manage groups that range in age, abilities, and cultural backgrounds
• Experience with a wide range of computer applications (Excel, MS Word, Acrobat Pro, Google Docs)
• Attention to detail and an eye for garden aesthetic
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds safely
• Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding
• Bilingual language skills, English and Spanish or Chinese, a plus
• Valid driver’s license, a plus

Schedule & Salary

This is a part-time seasonal position. Position available weekdays from March through November with the following schedule:

• March 3rd through May for 28 hours per week, Monday – Thursday
• June through September for 35 hours per week, Sunday – Thursday
• October through November 14th for 28 hours per week, Monday – Thursday

Salary: $20/hour

For consideration, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant documents via our Career Center.

If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to hr@queensbotanical.org.

Health & Safety: proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for employment.

Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (physical or mental), age, marital status, veteran/active military service member status, political affiliation, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, genetic information, immigration or citizenship status, status as victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, arrest or conviction record, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, employment/unemployment status, salary history, credit history, marital/partnership stratus, caregiver status, height and weight, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources via email or phone 718-886-3800 x 203.