Company description

Queens Botanical Garden is an urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs, and demonstrations of environmental stewardship.

Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is a private non-profit cultural institution located on 39 acres of New York City public land in Flushing, New York. In FY24, the Garden served approximately 282,000 visitors, including 22,000 schoolchildren. A recently completed visitor survey reveals that 45% of visitors speak a language other than English at home. This fact underscores the importance of the mission and the challenges and opportunities QBG faces daily in creating programs, exhibits and landscapes that serve the needs of people who live in and visit one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the nation. The Garden has committed itself to addressing the complex and ever-changing needs of its diverse community and to being the place where people, plants, and cultures meet.

Job description

QBG Farm is a place where New Yorkers can participate and learn about urban farming through tours, workshops, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Fruit and vegetables are grown with a focus on soil health and care, without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  Crops harvested are distributed at our weekly farm stand and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, as well as shared with interns, volunteers, and donated to local food relief programs.

Queens Botanical Garden seeks a seasonal farmer for the QBG Farm. The Seasonal Farmer will support the Farm Manager in running and maintaining a one-acre farm of mixed vegetable, fruit, and flower production and educational site. This position includes working with interns, volunteers, and visiting public groups. We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with prior farming experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Seed starting, direct seeding, and transplanting
• Greenhouse management
• Drip irrigation & overhead watering
• Harvesting & post-harvest handling, including farm stand and CSA distribution
• Record keeping
• Care for flowers and shrubs
• Pest & disease ID and management
• Nutrient management with a focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Plant and site maintenance
• Assisting with tours, volunteer groups, and workshops

Qualifications:

• Prior experience working on a vegetable farm or garden for a minimum of one season
• Self-motivated, excellent communicator, with the ability to work alone as well as with others
• Experience in working with and leading adult and youth volunteers
• Ability to help manage groups that range in age, abilities, and cultural backgrounds
• Experience with a wide range of computer applications (Excel, MS Word, Acrobat Pro, Google Docs)
• Attention to detail and an eye for garden aesthetic
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds safely
• Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding
• Bilingual language skills, English and Spanish or Chinese, a plus
• Valid driver’s license, a plus

Schedule: This is a part-time seasonal position. Position available weekdays from March through November with the following schedule:

• March 3rd through May for 28 hours per week, Monday – Thursday
• June through September for 35 hours per week, Sunday – Thursday
• October through November 14th for 28 hours per week, Monday – Thursday

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

February 14, 2025