Full-Time Culinary Gardener for Chef’s Garden
POSITION SUMMARY
The Culinary Gardener will be responsible for the care and planting of crops and may include, but not limited to propagation, bed prep, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting, and maintenance of the grounds.
The Chef’s garden is located in a resort located in North San Diego. The ideal candidate will have experience in native gardening and sustainable gardening practices. The Culinary Gardener will facilitate the farm-to-table experience to provide harvest to the hotel’s restaurant and elevate dining experiences.
This position is full-time.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Establish and follow proper procedures for the routine care of all culinary gardens and greenhouses
- Satisfactorily perform routine Gardening functions
- Garden maintenance/management of ornamental, native, and edible landscapes
- Fertilizing, drenching, foliar spraying — using organic, sustainable, non-toxic materials only
- Ecological pest control
- Responsible for removal of weeds in the garden using hands and weeding tools
- Trims and prunes plants, vegetables, and fruits as needed
- Soil moisture monitoring, irrigation monitoring, watering all plant material
- Ensure proper watering based on weather conditions
- Soil Cultivation, Composting (occasional)
- Landscaping practices that favor wildlife, bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators
- May include interacting with customers who are very interested in the Chef’s gardens and provide memorable and friendly experiences
- Plant seeds and propagate seedlings at greenhouse, prepare beds for planting and transplants seedlings
- Plant pre-sprouted plants and other plant materials. Products may include tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, flowers, trees, fruits, and seasonal vegetables and herbs
- Maintains all growing plants, gardens, and beds to a professional aesthetic including labels for all edible plants, shrubs, and trees
- Maintains, repairs and extends the irrigation systems and timers whenever necessary
- Is responsible for safeguarding and maintaining equipment, tools, and supplies
- Maintains a clean and tidy work environment in the greenhouse, garden, and storage areas
- Performs outdoor gardening work which includes but is not limited to gardening, but manual labor as well
- Works professionally and maintains working relationships with customers, coworkers, vendors, chefs, groundskeepers, staff, etc.
- Works collaboratively with the Culinary team with planning, planting, and harvesting calendar
- Any and all other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· High school diploma or equivalent required
· English fluency required. Spanish fluency helpful
· Requires "hands-on" working knowledge of all necessary equipment, and the proper application of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Knowledge of organic applications of plant treatment
· Must have minimum two years experience in all aspects of gardening, including a broad knowledge of plant varieties and their care
· Ability to work independently and efficiently
· Requires the ability to follow instructions, guidelines, and objectives
· Ability to prioritize tasks
· Courteous and friendly
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Hotel and/or Restaurant experience, a plus, but not required
· Food Handler certificate from California, a plus, but not required
· Degree in horticulture/ agriculture or certifications a plus
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Using hand tools, pruning shears, backpack sprayers
- Ability to carry 30-50 pounds (bags of fertilizer, mulch, etc.)
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend over, crouch twist, reach, lift, and kneel regularly
- Ability to work outdoors in various temperatures & rain for extended periods of time
- Must be able to withstand exposure to the sun.
PAY RATE RANGE
$19.00 - $25.00/hour
Full-Time positions eligible for benefits (401k, life, medical, etc. after 90 days probationary period)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
Ability to commute/relocate:
- San Diego, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience:
- Gardening: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
