Garden Assistant (Part-Time/Seasonal)

Garden Assistant (Part-Time/Seasonal)

About This Opportunity

The Horticulture Department seeks individuals with an interest in public horticulture to assist with gardening work during the 2026 growing season. Duties and responsibilities include assisting horticulture staff in the planting, cultivating, and care of trees, shrubs, flowers and other flora as well as leading a group of 5-6 student youth in these same tasks for 6 weeks in July and August.

Responsibilities

• Preparing soil, planting, weeding and mulching
• Fertilizing and watering
• Pruning and grooming trees, shrubs and plants
• Mowing Lawns
• Operating and caring for hand and power gardening tools and equipment
• Sharpening and general upkeep of grounds tools
• Availability to supervise teens as part of the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in July and August
• Under the supervision of QBG horticulture staff, Garden Assistants will be expected to work with volunteers who may come to us as individuals or as part of a group

Qualifications

• One year of experience and/or training in gardening work, including planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns
• A high school diploma or GED
• A Motor Vehicle Driver’s License valid in the state of New York
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely
• Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding including kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Willingness to learn about use of tools and equipment
• Good interpersonal skills
• Bilingual language skills, English and a second language, a plus
• Experience working with youth and leading groups a plus

Schedule

This is a part-time seasonal position. Positions are available for up to 28 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, April 1 through November 20, and may include some weekend work.

Salary: $20/hour