Head Gardener
Quantity: 1
2010 hiring complete; 2011 hiring begins in Fall 2010
We hire one Head Gardener and two Gardener Assistants each growing season. Ideally, one or all will stay on for a succeeding season or two. We need folks who are eager to help create a beautiful vegetable garden, including flowers, herbs, ornamental gardens, and fruits. The ideal people will have experience, love hard work, long hours, and enjoy working with children as well as adults.
Emandal's organic garden is about an acre and a half of annual vegetable and flower production. In addition we have fruit trees (apples, pears, peaches, walnuts, and persimmons), brambles (blackberries, red raspberries, and golden raspberries), and other fruits, herbs and veggies as part of the edible (and also ornamental) landscaping. The garden plays an important role in both our Environmental Education (Spring) and Family Camp/Private Group Rentals (Summer) for not only the production of food, but also for educational purposes and property beautification.
Gardeners must have farm and garden experience. In addition, it is desired that s/he will have experience in crop planning, greenhouse management, planting and garden maintenace, harvesting and post-harvest needs, irrigation set up and repair, and composting. Also helpful is knowledge of pruning, perennials, lawn and garden equipment (tillers, weed wackers, mowers, chippers, etc.), food preservation, and flower arrangement. Experience working with school groups, as well as individuals, is also helpful.
Main Responsibilities (not in any order):
- Annual vegetable and flower garden planning and implementation
- Planning for, preparing and leading garden activities for Environmental Education in cooperation with Naturalists and EE Director
- Maintenance of perennial areas, fruit trees, and brambles including pruning, weeding and planting
- Communicate with farm owner and kitchen staff concerning kitchen and business needs
- Winter duties will be split between the garden and facility operation and maintenance (including, but not limited to, animal care, projects, office support, etc.
Compensation
Minimum $275/week, plus room and board.
Tips during Family Camp/Groups.
Work Schedule
40-50 hours a week. Environmental Ed schedule (April-early June): M-F with some weekend watering
Family Camp/Group schedule (mid June-mid September): 5 1/2 days a week, schedule will vary
Dates of Employment
Full Season: February 15th – mid October, with option for staying year-round
Preference is given to applicants who can stay for this entire period, but we will still consider applications for shorter time periods. End date in particular may be flexible dependent on needs of the business and staff member.
Head Gardener Application (PDF)
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please download the application, complete it, and send it to us, along with your resume and a page describing your qualifications and reasons for wanting to work in this position at Emandal. You may send your application and supporting materials to us via post.
- Emandal
16500 Hearst Post Office Road
Willits, California 95490