Background
The San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, Inc., in partnership with Archuleta Seniors Inc, is working to provide a greenhouse garden where older adults will realize food sovereignty. Food Sovereignty is defined by the beneficiaries determining the type, quantity and quality of food consumed by controlling how their food is produced and distributed. Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director and staff will be empowered to address local issues of hunger and health by cultivating their own fresh foods that will contribute to their overall health and wellbeing. The method of using Growing Spaces (https://growingspaces.com/) geodesic grow dome, a controlled, sustainable dome greenhouse environment for the purpose of growing fruits and vegetables for elders to enjoy 24/7 – 365 days a year.
Horticulturist Job Summary
We have an immediate opening for an experienced Horticulturist. Who will provide landscape maintenance, restoration, and design services to the Archuleta Seniors Inc. older adult population. In this role, you will test the growing dome soil and inspect the indoor and outdoor planter beds. Collaboration with the ASI Executive Director and Head Chef to determine the best plants that should be used throughout the garden or planting area based on soil type and client expectations. We prefer candidates who have at least three years of professional horticulture experience and are American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) certified and like working with older adults.
Horticulturist Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with landscape maintenance, restoration, and design.
- Install and cultivate edible and ornamental plants.
- Transplant and prune shrubs and small trees (outdoor beds/gardens).
- Weed landscape beds and assist with mulching.
- Identify and treat potential pests or diseases.
- Provide plant care advice to other team members.
Horticulturist Requirements and Qualifications
- Prefer a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field (or associate degree and equivalent experience)
- Certification through the ASHS a plus
- Responsible for increasing yield, improving vigor, size, and taste of plants. They also coordinate research programs for selective crops.
- Must have extensive knowledge about trees, flowers, vegetables, nuts, bushes, and fruits.
- Experience in landscaping or working with various types of plants (3-5 years preferred)
- Light construction experience a plus
- Must be willing to lift 50 pounds of materials (soil, construction materials, etc.)
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Comfortable working outside in various weather conditions
- Eye for detail
Compensation/Pay Range
- Independent Contract (must have own liability insurance)
- Compensation is based on a range of $20--$30 per hour based on education and experience.
- Up to 20 hours per week.
- Work with Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director, Head Chef and Growing Spaces staff.
- Education, experience, and knowledge of older adult programs is a plus!
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Contract
Pay: Up to $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Benefits:
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Gardening: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Pagosa Springs, CO 81147: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
