Culinary Gardener

About the role

Curate the Rancho Valencia Culinary Garden experience to include organic vegetable gardens, olive and fruit trees, chicken coop and bee hives. Ensure a naturally curated appearance by participating in or coordinating cleaning, replacing or making repairs. Coordinate and participate in the growing and planting of new flowers, plants and organic vegetables. Coordinate and participate in watering, weeding, trimming, and pruning. Host, coordinate and assist with tours, education and culinary/horticultural guest experiences. Work in tandem with the Culinary and Beverage programs to ensure seamless display and abundant production of seasonal produce with an emphasis on architecture and palette. Carry out when required in Sommelier duties in the Outlets as required.

Responsibilities

• Planting and growing of organic vegetables
• Planning and coordinating planting cycles and timetables
• Maintain flower beds, baskets, and boxes by watering, removing weeds, trimming, and performing other maintenance
• Maintain trees by trimming and pruning
• Maintain a curated, tidy and safe garden at all times
• Operate utility vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, materials and debris
• Clean all equipment after use
• Maintain chicken coop and bee hives
• Assist guests and children during the secret garden tours and culinary garden experiences/classes
• Conduct culinary garden classes, and lead seasonal harvest events
• Participate in and support hotel efforts towards community, sustainability and environmental initiatives
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned
• Carry out, when required, Sommelier duties in the Outlets as required

Requirements

• Previous gardening experience caring and tending to farm animals and bee hives
• Harvesting and tree trimming knowledge
• Plant knowledge
• Must have valid California driver's license
• Sommelier Level 2 Certification
• Travel requirements: None

Physical demands

• Frequent or occasional need to perform: reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, and climbing
• Frequent need to perform standing and walking activities related to inspecting property
• Constant need to perform: grasping, turning, finger dexterity
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally
• Vision requirements: constant need to view small print; frequent need to see small details and things clearly beyond arm's reach
• Hearing requirements: constant need to speak on telephone and/or two-way radio, respond to general public and converse with staff; ability to hear fire alarms and emergency equipment

Skills

Required

• Ability to operate gardening and other machinery
• Ability to communicate clearly in English

Desirable

• Degree in Agriculture
• Experience with crop rotation
• Experience with Pest and Disease Management

Pay

Pay Range: $25–$28 per hour

Benefits

BrightView offers a suite of health, wellness, and financial benefits to full-time team members. Benefits offerings for full-time team members include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ancillary and voluntary products
• 401k savings plan with employer contributions
• 6 to 9 company paid holidays per year

Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and/or potential variable pay opportunities based on position and performance. A detailed benefits package will be provided during the interview process.