Job description

About this company
Founded in 2009 by Master Gardener, Geri Miller, HGEL’s mission is to teach both private and commercial clients how to use their landscapes in a productive and sustainable way using organic methods. Our focus is on designing edibles landscapes but we also specialize in raised bed systems and low water-¬use landscapes using California native and drought tolerant plant material. We also offer maintenance services and group and private lessons. In 2013 we opened The Cook’s Garden on Abbot Kinney in Venice. TCG is an urban farm growing primarily for restaurants, retail nursery, outdoor classroom and garden shop.

About this job
HGEL’s residential/commercial practice has grown its client base to support an additional part time position. Customer service is as important as your ability as an organic gardener. You must enjoy working with people and treat each client as you would a family member and each garden as you would your own. As a standout INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR applicant, you should be able to maintain edible gardens to HGEL’s high standards from both an aesthetic and production perspective with little supervision once training is completed. Although much of the time you’ll be working on your own, you are still part of a team. Skill in communicating with and supporting the other members of the HGEL team is very important. Responsibilities
• Manage and maintain private clients’ organic gardens including:
o transplanting, propagating additional plant material when needed
o soil management
o fertilizing
o pest and disease management
o harvesting, pruning
o orchard care when applicable: citrus, pomes, berries and stone fruit
o seed saving
• Assist senior manager or principal in seasonal garden transitions
• Give clients email updates of what work you performed at each visit and any recommendations for action to be taken by client prior to your next visit
• Enter your time and supply charges via our online billing system in a timely manner
• Immediately advise senior garden manager or principal of any problems that you feel you cannot solve on your own

Requirements
• Degree or certification in horticulture, agriculture, urban farming or related field or certification as a CE Master Gardener or UC Victory Gardener
• At least 5 years experience growing edibles (in your own garden is fine too)
• Thorough knowledge of all facets of organic, sustainable/regenerative and permaculture practices
• Ability to diagnose and problem-solve using organic methods
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems especially drip irrigation and ability to perform minor repairs
• Ability to perform hard physical work and move heavy items from time to time
• Working knowledge of basic office software such as Word and Excel
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be able to utilize email and access the internet
• Occasionally assist during classes

Pluses
• HGEL is a small family of like-minded folks who love to grow edibles and teach others to find the joy in growing their own food too.
• You will be able to attend any classes offered by HGEL (if you’re not needed to assist) tuition-free

Compensation – Commensurate with experience and qualifications: Starting hourly rate is $15.50/hour.

Compensation

this position is: hourly

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline