Culinary Gardener

Job Details

Description

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $22.00 to $24.00 per hour. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring rate would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring rate for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

Position Summary

The Culinary Gardener is responsible for all aspects of vegetable, herb and fruit tree production at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Copia campus. With heavy emphasis on maintaining the “front entrance” visual impact required for a top-level property. This includes seed propagation, bed prep, irrigation, harvest, cultivation, and maintenance of the gardens.

Essential Responsibilities

• Communicates with Facilities Operations Manager, Executive Chef and Culinary Chefs in relation to crop plans, produce orders, supplies, and priorities.
• Plans and schedules a diverse seasonal crop in collaboration with CIA Copia Chefs and regularly communicates regarding availability and farm product.
• Cultivates crops by performing BCS tilling, wheel hoeing, hula hoeing, and hand weeding.
• Harvests, weighs, labels and delivers farm product to CIA Purchasing to be properly entered into the purchasing system for proper distribution and accounting.
• Prepares beds for planting by removing debris, broad forking, BCS tilling, and shaping beds with hard rake.
• Sets-up and repairs micro-drip and overhead irrigation.
• Propagates seedlings in greenhouse. Transplants seedlings in the field. Transplants seedlings in the field and direct seeds crops with seeder.
• Assists in the pruning and maintenance of perennials including fruit trees, herbs and olive trees.
• Maintains clean and tidy work environments in the greenhouse, tool shed, and storage areas.
• Oversees and ensures accurate and timely production.
• Conducts tours for students, CIA Boot Camp attendees, and the public when necessary.
• Monitors inventories and maintains working condition of tools and supplies.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working on produce-growing farms.
  
  

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid Driver License.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) to two (2) years of experience working on farms.
• Master Gardener Certification.
• Experience working on student farms.
• Associates degree.
• CIA graduate.
• Culinary experience.
• Familiarity with tenants of organic production.
  
  

Required Skills

• Excellent written, and verbal communication skills required. Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to be adaptable, dependable and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment, and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of the team.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work overtime on nights and weekends as required by business needs.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry 30 pounds and occasionally lift and carry 50 pounds with assistance.
• Regular work requires a great deal of sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to bend over, crouch, and kneel regularly.
• Ability to withstand high ambient temperatures.