Garden & Horticulture Assistant

375 Pantherkill Road, Phoenicia NY

Description

At Menla we have two large fenced in gardens, various landscape beds, and container planters. We are a 65 acre campus, and there is a full range of work to be done, April -Dec. We are in Hardiness Zone 5b, with our own spring. The Garden Assistant will take direction from the Head of Horticulture, as well as be able to independently work and problem solve. Candidate must be dependable, flexible, friendly, and able to multi-task. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. You will be expected to be at work in a timely fashion in different types of weather. Proper attire is required for outdoor work. At Menla we: grow veggies, flowers, medicinal and culinary herbs propagate annuals and perennials maintain a variety landscape beds build and maintain seasonal planters mow and edge in the fenced gardens and outside around beds and trails invasive species removal, and restorative ecology work work with old apple trees (that the bears also enjoy) wild harvest with the seasons Must be able to: drive a large truck lift 50+lbs, bend, twist, squat, etc be tidy and efficient able to converse and engage with guests about the gardens work independently and creatively good sense of humor and joyful basic hand tool skills, power tools a plus flexible and resilient in response to weather, changes in schedules endure heat, rain, dirt, and insects be curious and love learning, ready to research when needed strong observation skills Experience required: One full year of diversified veggie production, including planting, weeding, pruning, trellising, problem observing and solving, mulching, harvesting, seed saving, IPM On going formal or personal study of organic, ecological growing practices Working in gardens open to the public a plus Collaboration with a diverse group of people Use of a wide range of tools Compensation: Starting at $14hr, share of staff tips, free organic shift meals, free access to Menla-sponsored classes, staff discounts at our spa and gift shop, plus extremely affordable housing for the right candidate.