Start Date:openCompensation:$18 - $19/hour
Clinton Housing Development Corporation (CHDC)is a non-profit organization committed to developing permanent affordable housing throughout the Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan. Since 1973, CHDC has been equally committed to developing permanent public open space and garden infrastructure alongside its affordable housing portfolio. The horticulture team at CHDC installs and maintains green spaces throughout CHDC’s nearly 30 properties, including rooftop gardens, courtyards, terraces, backyards and numerous sidewalk plantings. CHDC is also instrumental in creating and supporting several community gardens, city parks and urban agriculture projects.
Responsibilities/Duties- Maintain CHDC’s garden properties alongside other members of the Horticulture team; tasks include planting, watering, mulching, pest management and other tasks as necessary.
- Perform seasonal landscape work including fertilization, pruning, weeding/clean up, planting annuals and bulbs, dividing and transplanting and leaf removal.
- Install new garden projects as directed.
- Perform light maintenance associated with CHDC’s garden spaces, including litter removal, painting, cleaning/organizing tools, outdoor furniture care and repairing irrigation/other garden features.
- Assist with community-wide events in CHDC’s public green spaces, including two weekend community volunteer planting days.
- Maintain indoor plants.
- Install seasonal holiday displays.
- Interact with tenants and members of the public in a courteous manner
- Minimum six months of professional field experience and/or horticultural school.
- Basic knowledge of gardening techniques.
- Energetic, motivated and hardworking
- Ability to take direction, communicate and work well with a diverse stakeholder community.
- Ability to achieve efficiency in time management, often working on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to communicate regularly with coworkers to ensure a productive and harmonious working environment.
- Ability to lift up to 40lbs and tolerate exposure to inclement weather.
- Ability to use horticultural tools and power equipment a plus
Clinton Housing Development CompanyContact Name:Meral MarinoEmail:mmarino@clintonhousing.orgPhone:9173093154
Freqently Asked Questions
Seasonal shifts in New York City require gardeners to adapt quickly; tasks like leaf removal and bulb planting become crucial in fall and spring, while summer demands more watering and pest management. This variation keeps the role dynamic and aligned with the city's changing urban green space needs.
Professional gardeners in New York City often demonstrate expertise in plant health, landscape maintenance, and efficient use of horticultural tools, alongside abilities to manage diverse urban garden projects. Their experience with pest control and seasonal planting further sets them apart in this competitive job market.
Starting as a seasonal gardener can lead to roles in landscape management, urban agriculture coordination, or horticultural consultancy. Gaining experience with community garden projects and mastering diverse plant care in NYC’s urban environment opens doors for growth within green industry careers.
METRO HORT GROUP, INC encourages gardeners to engage with local residents during volunteer planting events and public green space maintenance. This interaction fosters community ties while supporting sustainable urban horticulture in neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea.
Working with METRO HORT GROUP, INC involves maintaining rooftop gardens and urban agriculture sites, which presents challenges like managing irrigation systems in tight spaces and adapting to microclimates. These specialized tasks require flexibility and technical knowledge uncommon in standard garden jobs.
Seasonal gardeners in New York generally earn between $15 and $20 per hour depending on experience and employer. This position at METRO HORT GROUP, INC offers $18 to $19 hourly, which aligns well with local market rates for skilled gardening roles.
Given NYC’s traffic and public transit variability, gardeners should consider commute times to multiple garden sites. Proximity to Manhattan neighborhoods like Chelsea can ease travel, but flexibility and time management remain key for efficiently handling scattered urban gardening tasks.
Certifications from horticultural schools or urban agriculture programs enhance a gardener’s profile in NYC. Knowledge of sustainable practices and familiarity with local plant species are especially prized when working on community gardens managed by nonprofits in the city.
Gardeners in New York adapt to seasonal weather by wearing appropriate gear and scheduling tasks around forecasts. Winter pruning and summer watering require flexibility, while indoor plant care offers steadier conditions, helping maintain productivity year-round despite the city’s climate challenges.
The company values motivated individuals who communicate well and thrive in diverse teams. Experience with horticultural tools, physical stamina for lifting and outdoor work, plus a willingness to engage with community members, are essential traits for success in their seasonal gardening roles.
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