Seasonal Gardener
Little Island’s Horticulture team is a dynamic, collaborative group responsible for the care and maintenance of the park’s 2.4-acre perennial landscape. Situated on the Hudson River, the park is home to a diverse collection of over 350 varieties of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and perennials, as well as 66,000 spring bulbs and 14,000 square feet of lawn. This is a unique opportunity to develop hands-on horticulture skills in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
The (2) Seasonal Gardener positions are temporary, full-time roles designed for individuals eager to gain experience in landscape maintenance. You will work closely with the Horticulture Supervisor and the entire team to support the park’s horticultural operations, including planting, weeding, mulching, and watering tasks, while contributing to the upkeep of the park’s seasonal landscape priorities.
As a Seasonal Gardener, you will be an essential part of our Horticulture team, assisting with daily maintenance tasks and contributing to special projects. This position provides a great opportunity to expand your horticultural knowledge while actively participating in the preservation of a beloved public space.
The ideal Seasonal Gardener is a hardworking team player who is detailed-oriented and has a strong interest in pursuing a career in horticulture. They thrive in the outdoors and take pride in caretaking a beautiful public space for all to enjoy.
About the Role
- Hourly Rate: $25.00
- Job Type: Seasonal/Temporary
- Employment Classification: Full-Time, Non-exempt
- Schedule Expectations: Monday-Friday, 6 AM or 7 AM start, with occasional weekend flexibility
- Work Environment: Onsite at Little Island, outdoor, park-based job
- Projected Start Date: February 17, 2025
- Projected End Date: October 17, 2025
- Employment Duration: This is a seasonal position. Candidates interested in future opportunities will need to reapply.
- How to Apply: To apply, please click the ‘Apply Here’ button below. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete your application, participate in the interview process, or need assistance with any part of the selection process, please contact us at jobs@littleisland.org
What You’ll Do
- Assist the Horticulture Supervisor with daily gardening tasks, such as weeding, mulching, planting, and watering across the park’s diverse landscape.
- Conduct daily morning walkthroughs to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics, including clearing trash from paths and planting areas.
- Collaborate with team members to complete seasonal horticulture priorities including Spring Cutback and planting efforts in Spring and Fall.
- Safely operate gardening tools and equipment (e.g., hedge trimmers, grass shears, scissor lift, and boom lifts), following proper safety protocols and guidelines
- Communicate any park-related concerns, maintenance issuesy, or safety hazards to the Horticulture and/or Park leadership.
- Act as an ambassador for Little Island, assisting visitors with inquiries about the landscape, park history, and general park information.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support park operations, as assigned by the Horticulture Supervisor or the Director of Horticulture.
What You Bring
- Familiarity with gardening techniques is preferred, but motivated candidates with a strong willingness to learn will also be considered.
- A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine interesting horticulture and landscape care.
- Ability to take direction and work collaboratively with a team to maintain high horticultural standards.
- Willingness to safely operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment.
- Basic computer proficiency; familiarity with Microsoft Office is a plus.
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold, with the appropriate gear.
- Physical ability to squat, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
- Possession of, or willingness to obtain, an OSHA 10 certification.
- Eligibility to work in the U.S.
Benefits and Perks
- Eligible for accrued sick time (up to 7 days)
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental & vision care (available first day of month after hire date)
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligible after 90 days)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses
Life at Little Island
- Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.
- Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, and rehearsal space. It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
- Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.