Job Description

The seasonal gardener is a temporary employee of Friends of the High Line and an integral part of the park’s Operations team. Under the general supervision of the Director of Horticulture and the Horticulture Manager, the seasonal gardener is responsible for the care and maintenance of the High Line’s landscape and living collections. Working interactively with a team of horticulturists, maintenance technicians, environmental service technicians, and horticulture administrators, the seasonal gardener’s responsibilities include all aspects of monitoring and caring for the High Line’s landscapes, including diverse plantings of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs, hardscape elements, and public use of the park.

This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt position. This position reports to the Horticulture Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist year-round Horticulture staff with the tasks listed below:
• Daily maintenance of the assigned area, including weeding, planting, dividing and transplanting, pruning, grooming, cut-back, mulching and clean-up.
• Monitor plants and soil moisture daily and hand water as needed.
• Repair minor irrigation leaks and breakages.
• Scout, identify, report, and document pests and diseases.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety of the park including daily checks of garden beds and paths, cleaning damage, debris and litter.
• Daily maintenance of horticulture related hardscape such as signages and plant bed protections, including repair, replacement and installation.
• Clean, maintain, and stage equipment, supplies, and materials for daily horticulture operations.
• Document, report, and catalog landscape maintenance information. 
• Support team projects such as green waste management, plant deliveries, operation space and storage clean-up, tree pruning and removal, and Spring Cutback.
• Operate power tools and equipment after requisite training and in accordance with the High Line’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Proactively communicate with the Horticulture staff regarding the status of your work.
• Act as an ambassador for Friends of the High Line, answering questions for park visitors about horticulture, High Line history, design, and general park information. 
• Attend scheduled meetings as part of the High Line Horticulture team and Operations department.
• Support other parks’ operations departments with various tasks as needed.
• Perform other tasks as needed.

Requirements

• One or more seasons of experience in landscape maintenance, agriculture, or nurseries with knowledge of plant culture and plant identification.
• Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness. 
• Willing to collaborate on any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of garden and overall park management. 
• Must be a collaborative team-player and willing to maintain positive engagement with the public and colleagues.
• Basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office and Google Suite. 
• Willing to complete and abide by safety training.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working in a crowded urban park

Required abilities

• Ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs with proper tools and equipment.
• Able to traverse 5-10 miles of the High Line daily.
• Ability to provide verbal and written communication that is clear, concise and accurate.
• Ability to operate electric equipment and power tools in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time and sometimes near adjacent construction sites.

This is a full-time, temporary, non exempt position with an hourly rate of $27.00. This is a seasonal position with a planned end date of Friday September 26, 2025. Please note that these dates may be adjusted due to business needs.

The location for the role has a requirement to physically report to the office (located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with vendors on the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to Whitney Museum
• Paid time off
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program

About Friends of the High Line:

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement:

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

• Email [email protected] to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)
• This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations
• Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
• The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly

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