Culinary Garden & Hydroponics Specialist

Sandhills Community College; Pinehurst (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Sandhills Community College in California seeks a Part-Time Culinary Garden Specialist to maintain the college's culinary gardens, greenhouse areas, and hydroponics in support of Culinary & Pastry Arts instruction and events. This role manages production, harvesting, pest control, and safety practices year-round.

You will work with students and faculty to plant, harvest, and prepare garden products for luncheons and classroom use, document records for certification, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Knowledge of plant propagation, seasonal crop production, soil amendments, composting, and pest/disease management.
• Safe use of garden tools and equipment; ability to keep accurate records.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty, staff, and guests.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and complete year‑round responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain year-round culinary gardens, greenhouse areas, grow bags, herb beds, grapevines, and the hydroponic system in the Russell Dining Room.
• Start seeds; propagate herbs; transplant, plant, water, fertilize, weed, prune, label, rotate, and amend beds and containers.
• Monitor and manage pests and diseases using methods approved by Certified Naturally Grown.
• Maintain accurate production, treatment, and other records for annual Certified Naturally Grown certification and inspection.
• Follow sanitation, food-safety, and safe-work practices when cultivating, harvesting, handling, and distributing garden products.
• Harvest and deliver herbs, produce, grapes, and flowers for instructional use, luncheons, and approved events; prepare floral arrangements as requested.
• Provide culinary faculty with a weekly garden report identifying products currently available, expected soon, or nearing end of production.
• Respond to garden and plant questions from students, faculty, staff, and guests and communicate maintenance or supply needs to the supervisor.

Skills

Plant propagation

Seasonal crop production

Pest and disease management

Record keeping

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Postsecondary coursework or credential in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, sustainable agriculture, or related field

Job description

Sandhills Community College in California seeks a Part-Time Culinary Garden Specialist to maintain the college's culinary gardens, greenhouse areas, and hydroponics in support of Culinary & Pastry Arts instruction and events. This role manages production, harvesting, pest control, and safety practices year-round.

You will work with students and faculty to plant, harvest, and prepare garden products for luncheons and classroom use, document records for certification, and contribute to