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In-House Tree Planting Crew Leader

  1. DEPT OF PARKS & RECREATION
Posted on: 02/20/2026
  1. Full-time

Location

QUEENS

  1. Exam may be required

Department

Forestry & Horticulture

$64,852.00 – $74,580.00

Job Description

*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES*

The mission of NYC Parks is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for present and future generations and care for parks and public spaces. Environment and Planning works to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. Environment and Planning is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Major Responsibilities

- Under general direction from managers and supervisors, manage all phases of the In-house tree planting pilot program.
- Under supervision, conduct soil sampling, tree bed preparation and maintenance, planting, cultivating, mulching, irrigation, pruning and weeding of trees, flowers and plants.
- Train and supervise employees and volunteers in various horticultural tasks and various aspects of general In-house tree planting and maintenance.
- Perform necessary horticultural tasks including digging up, balling, burlapping, transplanting trees and plants, potting flowers and other herbaceous or woody plants.
- Perform small tree removals and stump removal operations.
- Perform excavation, amend, and grade soil to prepare tree beds for planting.
- Perform all required compound maintenance including all equipment and supplies, irrigation of trees and all tree-care related duties.
- Assist with unloading, storage and maintenance of tree deliveries from nurseries.
- Assist with and perform necessary duties to load trees for planting.
- Use agency tree maintenance applications to collect necessary tree data.
- Assist in and perform tasks involved in the operation and care of hand and power gardening tools and equipment.
- Maintain equipment, vehicles, and computerized irrigation systems. Performs basic repairs to the irrigation system.
- Operate transportation vehicles, tractors and other heavy equipment.
- Make necessary operating adjustments; report needs for repairs and replacements to supervisor(s).
- Maintain records and prepare written reports. Develop and oversee inventory management of tools, equipment and supplies.
- Recommend purchases; select and order plants, supplies and new equipment.
- Demonstrate professionalism with staff and the public and serve as a role model of high work ethics and performance.
- Perform other horticultural and park maintenance duties as needed.
- Assist with storm response as needed.

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 770933.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

Work Location: Olmsted Center, Queens

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.

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


Minimum Qualifications

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.


Preferred Skills

Preference will be given to current permanent Gardeners or applicants who have taken and passed the Gardener Civil Service Examination (Exam No. 5077). 1. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. 2. Ability to work a flexible schedule by working evenings and weekends. 3. Experience working with the public and volunteers. 4. Ability to lift 50lbs and handle power tools and gas-powered equipment. 5. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. 6. Background in Ecological Restoration, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscape Construction, Natural Area Management or related field.
55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency is required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.
Additional Information

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.

Job ID

770933

Posted until

2026-03-13

Title code

81310

Civil service title

GARDENER

Title classification

Competitive-1

Business title

In-House Tree Planting Crew Leader

  1. Experienced (non-manager)

Job level

02

Number of positions

1

Work location

Flushing Meadow Pk Olmsted Ctr

  1. Green Jobs

In-House Tree Planting Crew Leader

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