Menla is known for its beautiful organic gardens, providing healthy food to our kitchen and guests. We are on a 330 acre site in a secluded valley, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Our campus is 70 acres with 24 buildings. We have .75 acres producing vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, flowers, berries, and a wide variety of both cultivated and wild and medicinal plants. Our gardens and grounds are one of the faces of Menla, and their beauty and care is an important part of our culture and tribute to the land. We are looking for a “Zen Gardener” who brings a sense of spirituality to the work at hand.
This position is full time April 1 – Nov 1, possible PT work through the winter months for the right candidate.
Essential Attributes & Skills :
5 – 10 years of Landscaping & growing diversified organic production
Integrated pest management knowledge
Strong aesthetic, tidy
Able to work in difficult climate conditions (rain, cold, heat, humidity)
Able to lift 50lbs, bend, kneel, twist, reach
Able to drive a large truck
Flexible and resilient
Friendly, enjoys engaging with a wide range of visitors into the gardens
Basic hand tool skills, fence repair and small repairs as needed
Able to organize volunteer projects and instruct volunteers with little skill and no experience
Self-motivated and responsible, able to work independently
Strong observation skills, ability to assess needs of a particular project, and solve in a sustainable manner
A desire to continually learn and ability to research specific issues around horticulture and ecology as needed
Understanding of the Catskills ecosystems and floral design is a plus
Responsible for :
Maintaining and improving landscape beds throughout the property, using deer resistant plants
Floral arrangements for use in the reception area and dining areas
Indoor plant care
Seasonal container flower plantings
Assisting head gardener with high yield production 3/4 acre of vegetable/flower/culinary herbs/berry gardens for use in the kitchen from seed starting to harvesting to putting the garden to sleep
Continued ecological restoration work, removal of invasive species and maintaining areas which have been cleared
Interacting with guests who enjoy the gardens and grounds, including garden tours when appropriate
Working with the maintenance and kitchen team to ensure a robust compost system stays strong
Clearly communicating budget needs
Resources:
A 600 SF glass greenhouse
Two small sheds and plenty of tools
A garden truck
You will be part of maintenance team, and we have a wood/metal shop, onsite mechanic and heavy equipment operator
This is not a 9-5 job. 32-40 hours/week required. We understand that there needs to be flexibility built in to the position to work with weather and available assistance (for example when there is a work/study crew or volunteers)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 – $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week
Benefits:
401(k) matching
Flexible schedule
Paid time off
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Experience:
Gardening: 5 years (Required)
Landscape ecology: 5 years (Preferred)
Landscaping: 5 years (Required)
