Nursery Coordinator

Position Description

Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) is a community-based non-profit organization that serves as an environmental steward for the Gowanus Canal watershed. The Nursery Coordinator conducts and coordinates nursery sales & distribution, maintenance & propagation, volunteer opportunities, and field operations at the Lowlands Nursery, GCC's mission-driven native plant nursery. This position reports to the Nursery Senior Manager and participates on the Stewardship Team.

Position Responsibilities

Conduct sales and distribution, propagation and maintenance at the Lowlands Nursery

• Hold open hours at the Lowlands Nursery including opening and closing nursery, assisting customers and checking out customers using point of sale system
• Conduct maintenance at the nursery including watering, weeding, pruning, pest management, labeling, and plant organization
• Conduct propagation including soil mixing, sizing up plants, seed sowing, and cuttings

Coordinate community stewardship programs including public and corporate volunteer programs

• Conduct outreach and coordination for public volunteer programs
• Send reminder and follow up emails to volunteers
• Coordinate logistics for corporate and public volunteer days including set up, staffing events, and clean up
• Procure and deliver materials and tools for stewardship events

Conduct field operations

• Wash gloves on a regular basis at the laundromat
• Bag up trash and place in dumpster on a weekly basis
• Assist with keeping site, storage containers, and tools organized and clean
• Occasionally coordinate with field work partners and vendors (such as deliveries, garbage pick up, and other services)

Conduct administrative tasks

• Field requests through the volunteer@ email address
• Conduct data entry in Salesforce (training will be provided) including setting up volunteer slots, ensuring waivers are signed, documenting attendance, and tracking metrics
• Take photos during events and save to google shared drive

Assist with GCC Special Events

• Support GCC special events, including spring fundraiser and fall open house
• Occasionally assist other staff with special projects

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 or more years of experience working with plants, gardening, nursery work or related horticultural work
• Working knowledge of NYC native plants, particularly common perennials
• Experience in a retail environment including using point of sale technology and assisting customers
• Experience working with volunteers
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and take initiative
• Team player with a collaborative spirit
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with diverse co-workers, volunteers, customers and other stakeholders
• Excellent time management, communication, and organization skills
• Basic computer skills including video conferencing and Google Suite

Physical Requirements

• Significant time is spent working outdoors
• Interest and ability to work outdoors in an urban environment in most weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
• Communicating information; reading and typing; using video conferencing

Schedule: This is a seasonal hourly position from March through November, Tuesday-Saturday, up to 35 hours per week. The role is primarily outdoors in person at GCC's stewardship site, the Lowlands Nursery located at 25 9th Street, with some work at other outdoor sites and the GCC office in Gowanus. Some administrative work can take place remotely.

Compensation: $26-$28 per hour

To Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter by January 22nd, 2025.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the development of a resilient, vibrant, open space network centered on the Gowanus Canal through activating and empowering community stewardship of the Gowanus Watershed.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds to apply.

GCC strongly recommends that employees stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the CDC.

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