Culinary Gardener: Full-Time

SUMMARY

Curate the Rancho Valencia Culinary Garden experience to include organic vegetable fruit and pollinator gardens, olive and fruit trees, chicken coop and beehives. Ensuring a naturally curated appearance by participating in or coordinating cleaning, replacing, or making repairs. Coordinate and participate in the growing and planting of flowers, plants, and organic vegetables. Coordinate and participate in watering, weeding, trimming, and pruning. Host, coordinate and assist with tours, education, and culinary/horticultural guest experiences. Work in tandem with the Culinary and Beverage programs to ensure seamless display and abundant production of seasonal produce with an emphasis on architecture and palette.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Planting and care of organic edible and pollinating crops, trees, and herbs.
• Planning, coordinating, and communicating planting cycles and timetables with Executive chef and F&B Director.
• Maintain all growing spaces and nearby landscape through watering, weeding, trimming, pruning, and performing other maintenance.
• Maintain trees by trimming and pruning.
• Soil amendment.
• Tilling and turning over of beds.
• Maintain a curated, tidy, and safe garden always.
• Operate utility vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, materials, and debris.
• Clean all equipment after use.
• Care for chicken flock, coop, and beehives.
• In depth resort knowledge.
• Conduct culinary garden classes and lead seasonal harvest events.
• Participate in and support hotel efforts towards community, sustainability, and environmental initiatives.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed, or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 2 years Previous organic farming experience in California coastal region.
• Caring and tending to farm animals and beehives.
• Harvesting and tree pruning knowledge.
• Extensive plant knowledge.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft products including Excel.
• Must have valid California driver’s license.

Desirable

• Degree in organic farming.
• Farm or Culinary Garden Management experience
• Customer service experience

SKILLS

Required

• Ability to operate gardening and other machinery safely.
• Ability to communicate clearly and fluently in English.
• Experience with crop rotation.
• Experience with Organic Pest and Disease Management.
• Chicken and Beekeeping Experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent need to perform the following physical activities: reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, turning, lifting, grasping, and climbing. Finger dexterity.
• Frequent need to perform standing and walking activities throughout the day.
• Occasional need to stand for extended periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying 50 lbs. Frequently.
• Vision requirements: Ability to view small print. Frequent need to see minute details and things clearly beyond arms’ reach.
• Hearing requirements: Ability to converse on the telephone and/or two-way radio, respond to the public and converse with staff. Ability to hear fire alarms and emergency equipment.

Salary: $25 per hour