Gardener, l

NYC Parks is the steward of over 30,000 acres of land – 14% of New York City. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, and 51 recreational facilities. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most spectacular green spaces in the world.

Become a Gardener at Randall’s Island and help keep our green roof beautiful.

Perks – All Parks employees receive free membership to our recreation centers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under supervision, assist in the planting and cultivating of trees, vegetable and fruit garden, flowers and shrubs including tasks such as digging up, balling, burlapping, transplanting trees and shrubs, digging up and transplanting sod, potting flowers and plants; propagating plant life and pruning and spraying trees, shrubs and plants and tending to hydroponic systems.
- Prepare soil and seed beds. Grade, sod, weed, mulch and mow lawns. Repair damaged planted areas, fertilizing and watering soil.
- Assist in and perform tasks involved in the operation and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment.
- Make necessary operating adjustments to same; report needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor.
- Perform simple record keeping and prepare simple written reports.
- Drive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
- Supervise seasonal employees, as well as volunteers, as needed.

Work Location: Randall’s Island, Manhattan

Duration: 6 months, Spring 2026 to Fall 2026

Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee of $68.00. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.

HOW TO APPLY:
All Applicants:
Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 766276.
All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.
*Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

References will be required upon request. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call: 212-410-8961.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

GARDENER - 81310

1. One year of full-time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following planting, cultivating and caring for trees, plants shrubs and lawns; or

2. A certificate from a horticulture or botanic program containing college-level courses, such as programs offered by the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, etc.; or

3. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to 1 above. Thirty semester credits from an accredited college, at least fifteen of which must be in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, botany, landscape design or architecture, entomology, forestry, floriculture, plant production and/or crop management, may be substituted for the one year of the work experience described in 1 above.

4. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener - Assignment Level II, after meeting the qualification requirements for Gardener - Assignment Level I, candidates must have one additional year of satisfactory, full time experience in gardening work, including experience in each of the following areas: propagating, planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, shrubs and lawns. To be appointed or assigned to Gardener - Assignment Level II, candidates must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator - Category 3A License issued by the New York State Department of Environmental conservation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Driver License Requirement: A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.