Horticulture and Turfcare Associate

Horticulture and Turfcare Associate

Madison Square Park Conservancy (NYC)

Madison Square Park Conservancy is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving, historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

Madison Square Park is Manhattan’s only accredited arboretum and home to several centennial trees. The stunning perennial gardens feature 5 signature plant collections, ecological gardens, and ornamental flowers. The Conservancy seeks a passionate individual motivated to cultivate vibrant green spaces and who can bring nature’s beauty to life.  If you’re ready to dig into a fulfilling career where you can let your creativity blossom and make a positive impact on the world around you, we invite you to apply!

Organizational Structure

• Horticulture and Turfcare Associate reports directly to the Horticulture Manager
• Direct reports to this position: None

Key Responsibilities:

• Horticulture
  • Installation of container plantings, and temporary exhibitions.
  • Care of perimeter street plantings, garden beds, temporary installations, container plantings, and Worth Square to industry standards including:
    • Operation of watering tools
    • Weed removal and identification
    • Application of fertilizer and supplements
    • Pruning 
    • Litter and debris removal
• Turf care
  • Care of turf areas to industry standards including:
    • Operation of irrigation systems
    • Weed removal and identification
    • Application of fertilizer and supplements
    • Operation of heavy equipment such as lawnmowers, string trimmers, aerators, and overseeders 
• Administration
  • Maintain daily records, including detailed documentation of plantings, fertilizer rates and maintenance.
  • Respond to emails, Slack,  inquiries, and requests in a timely and appropriate fashion
  • Timely shares of turf and irrigation damage with supervision to develop care plan response
  • Interpretation of botanical and horticulture subjects to the general public.
  • As part of a team, advise on horticulture content as it relates to communications and programming. 
• Other
  • Snow removal and special projects during the winter months
  • Collaborate with volunteers and partner groups when appropriate
  • Litter and debris removal

Qualifications

• Relevant field experience, certificate programs, internships, and volunteer experience in horticulture and turf grass care.
• Knowledge of and passion for public horticulture
• Must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs and walk long distances
• Ability to multi-task and handle competing priorities
• Knowledge of technology, including Google suite, Slack, and Zoom
• Highly detail-oriented, field problem solvers who can adapt to changing priorities and new opportunities
• Ability to perform physically strenuous work in various weather conditions alone and in a team environment

Compensation and Schedule 

Salary range is $24.00 – $27.00 per hour based on experience. 

• Benefits include:  Paid Employee Health plan, Paid Employee Dental & Vision Plan, Vacation/Sick Days, Personal Day, Floating Holidays, 401K Plan after a year, commuter benefits, work phone provided, professional membership opportunities.
• 40 hours a week, with the majority of hours required on location. Some schedule flexibility will be required for programs and special events.
• Schedule: Tuesday- Saturday 7 AM- 3:30 PM

Application instructions

To apply, please submit via email attachment a cover letter and resume including names and complete contact information for three references to jobs@madisonsquarepark.org

Please be aware that Madison Square Park Conservancy has required Covid 19 vaccination for all employees. The organization will consider accommodations for disability and religious-based reasons.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Madison Square Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws.

The Conservancy prohibits discrimination against applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record or any other characteristic protected by law.