Company description Wildflower Farms is a 65 cabin, nature-immersive boutique hotel, farm, restaurant, holistic spa and event space opening Fall of 2022 in Gardiner, NY.  The 140-acre former pasture and tree farm will be home to a diversified vegetable and fruit farm, medicinal herb and flower gardens, a farm stand, limited animal program and thoughtful culinary programming.  The property features ponds, forests and a half mile of river frontage, with landscaped walking trails, access to the Tuthilltown Whisky Distillery (Hudson Whiskey) and awesome views of the nearby Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park.   Wildflower Farms will celebrate the best of the region, growing particular varietals on site for optimal taste and presentation while selecting other products to showcase our incredible friends and neighbors.   We seek to educate the public about growing for flavor, eating seasonally and regenerative hospitality.  Job description

We are seeking 1 experienced farmer to join our team for an immediate start date.  As the founding farmer, you will be intimately involved in the design and execution of the farm plan within the broader hotel landscape.  You will own primary responsibility for all aspects of farm operations: designing and implementing an infrastructure plan, cultivation and field prep management, seeding, transplanting, weed and pest management, harvesting and processing crops. Knowledge of composting systems and interest in managing or assisting initially with chickens, pigs, sheep, goats is required. Mushroom knowledge a plus.   

You will work independently and collaborate bi-weekly with the hotel team to create and meet budgets, source materials, design and execute programming for guests, customers and our non-profit partners. You will ultimately be responsible for hiring, training, and working alongside the farm team (which currently includes 1 day to day farm manager and 1 farm advisor, and may include J-1s, contractors, engineering and maintenance personnel, interns and specialized, neighboring farm partners). You will implement a crop and compost plan, work closely with the chef, and assist with a value-add farm product program for retail.   

The remainder of 2021 will be spent on site design and land prep for longer-lead-time fruit trees, berry, pumpkin and christmas tree patches, and program development.  Spring 2022 is the first full planting season for the Summer 2022 farm opening and Summer/Fall 2022 hotel, restaurant and spa opening.  

This winter, work is part-time, partly remote contract work. Beginning Spring 2022, this is a full-time salaried role with benefits. 

• At least 3 years farming experience required while hospitality, culinary, apothecary, retail, design, entertainment, arts or education experience is a plus.  
• Familiarity with tools, implements, compost systems, refrigeration, water systems, greenhouses and knowledge of how to design, care for and fix them
• Passion for farming AND passion for education, hospitality, guest interaction, and creating memorable spaces and experiences
• Interest in working most weekends and holidays that are peak guest times while taking time off in slower periods  
• Excellent work ethic and a desire to work outside in all weather conditions
• Positive and collaborative attitude and ability to jump into impromptu interactions with guests 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, see projects through to completion and keep open lines of communication with team members, problem solving and thorough, detailed work is a must 
• Outstanding communication (oral and written) skills required for farm updates through social media and guest and community programming 
• Interest in food as medicine, early childhood education, and local, seasonal eating 
• Knowledge of medicinal plants, flowers and value add production is a plus 
• Drivers license and clean driving record // This is to get to and from work and pick up supplies as there is no public transport.
• You will need to secure your own housing but we can assist in the sourcing 

Schedule: Salaried position, hours will flex up in the growing season and down in the winter season.   

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Includes paid vacation, sick and personal days, health insurance, paid employee development training, discounts and other benefits. Pay ranges from $55k to $70k/year depending on skill.    

 

Compensation this position is : salaried, varies DOE, $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 Work visa This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants Application instructions DeadlineFebruary 28, 2022