Compensation:$25.27 per hour
A popular year-round destination, Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor located between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. For almost two centuries, the Island was closed to the public, operating as a military base for the U.S. Army and, later, the Coast Guard. Today, an award-winning new park is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, educational and cultural facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Looking ahead, the long-term vision for Governors Island focuses on continuing to expand year-round public access by enlivening it with transformative public art and culture, extraordinary recreational and open space, and research and education dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis.
Responsibilities/DutiesThe Landscaper is part of the Landscape team, reporting to the Chief Engineer. This is a full-time, year-round position that may require weekend work. The Landscaper will work with a broader team of landscapers and horticulture staff to care for and maintain the Island’s diverse grounds, lawns and landscapes.
- Lawn maintenance includes mowing, string trimming, aeration, seeding, fertilization, top-dressing as well as seasonal turf installation and restoration.
- Grounds maintenance including installation or transplanting shrubs and trees, ground-based pruning, weeding, watering, raking, mulching, soil blending, grooming of clay on ballfields, clearing debris from paths and roadways, collection of leaves, snow removal, set up and take down of landscape fencing.
- Athletic Field maintenance including grooming clay infields, striping of playing field lines, relocation and set up of goals and bleachers.
- Monitoring sports turf for diseases, insects and invasive weeds, aeration, top dressing, over-seeding and fertilization.
- Routine maintenance of tools and equipment as directed.
- Remove trash and debris from the landscapes, report any unsafe conditions to facilities.
- Daily inspection of grounds and reporting issues related to plant and turf health, pavement defects, vandalism, and site safety issues.
- Maintain landscaping back-of-house, including transport of bulk materials, inventory and maintenance of tools and equipment, daily inspection and cleaning of equipment.
- Work as part of storm response teams to clear Island roads, paths and landscapes.
- Support with events including equipment set-up/break down and enforcing turf protection plans.
Education: High School or GED
Experience:
- 3+ years of experience or a combination of experience and formal education to demonstrate proficiency in maintenance of grounds, lawns and landscapes.
- Experience with all types of grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, trimmers, aerators, slit seeders, spreaders, screeners, rollers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and rototillers.
Skills and Abilities: - Ability to perform heavy, physical labor on a daily basis, to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and regularly lift and/or move 50 lbs. with proper tools.
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule of days, evenings, weekends, long shifts and holiday shifts.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of forklift operations is a plus.
Location and Schedule: All positions are located on Governors Island. This position is in-person, five days a week.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to jobs@govisland.org with “Landscaper” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
The Trust for Governors Island values the importance of inclusion, accessibility and a diverse pool of applicants. The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.
ABOUT THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND
The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust's mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for
public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org.
The Trust for Governors IslandEmail:jobs@govisland.org
Freqently Asked Questions
Landscaping on Governors Island involves unique tasks like maintaining historic grounds and managing recreational spaces, often outdoors in variable weather. The role requires physical endurance and teamwork to support year-round park upkeep, setting it apart from typical urban landscaping jobs in New York City.
Proficiency with a broad range of equipment such as mowers, aerators, trimmers, and chainsaws is essential. In NYC’s diverse landscaping environments, skill in operating these tools efficiently ensures quality turf and grounds maintenance, especially under the demanding conditions found on Governors Island.
Starting as a landscaper in New York can lead to roles like landscape foreman, operations manager, or specialized horticulture consultant. Building expertise in turf management and equipment operation opens doors to supervisory positions and landscape design opportunities within both public and private sectors.
METRO HORT GROUP, INC supports continuous growth by exposing landscapers to diverse grounds maintenance tasks on Governors Island, including historic site care and event support. This experience develops versatile skills valued across New York’s landscape industry, enhancing employability and career advancement.
This role offers a rare chance to contribute to a historic and cultural landmark in New York while working outdoors year-round. The position blends physical labor with environmental stewardship, making it distinct from typical landscaping jobs confined to residential or commercial properties.
An hourly rate of $25.27 is above average for entry to mid-level landscaping roles in New York City, reflecting the specialized nature of maintaining Governors Island’s grounds and the year-round work schedule. This competitive pay recognizes the physical demands and skill requirements of the position.
New York’s bustling urban landscape and growing green spaces fuel steady demand for skilled landscapers. METRO HORT GROUP, INC benefits from this trend, especially for positions on Governors Island, where maintaining expansive, historic grounds requires experienced landscaping professionals.
Access to Governors Island requires ferry transport, which can limit commute flexibility compared to mainland jobs. Prospective landscapers should plan around ferry schedules and seasonal variations, considering these factors when applying for positions at this unique New York location.
Candidates should be ready for physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy equipment, working in adverse weather, and performing repetitive motions. The island’s open environment exposes workers to seasonal weather extremes, necessitating resilience and adaptability.
Landscapers here contribute directly to preserving a public cultural and recreational space, enhancing visitor experience through meticulous ground care. This role supports environmental education and climate research initiatives, making the job impactful beyond routine maintenance.
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