GARDEN FIELD HAND - PART TIME (6 Month Position)

Esalen Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 25,485 - 28,929; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary commuter housing

All meals provided

Engagement in personal and professional development programs

Job summary

Esalen Institute is hiring for a part-time role to support the Farm & Garden Manager. The position involves harvesting crops, managing work crews, and upholding sustainable gardening practices. Ideal candidates will have experience in production gardening and be able to work collaboratively in diverse teams.

This role requires physical endurance and the ability to work in various conditions. Compensation ranges from $18.50 to $21 per hour for 24 hours a week, with all meals provided. Join Esalen in its mission to advance human potential.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months experience in a production garden or equivalent training.
• Experience overseeing and directing work crews.
• Understanding of sustainable gardening practices including soil health and fertility.

Responsibilities

• Harvest crops and manage post-harvest processes.
• Lead and direct crews with varying levels of experience.
• Support land stewardship and perform maintenance tasks.

Skills

Experience in production gardening

Ability to oversee work crews

Knowledge of sustainable gardening principles

Communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Physical endurance for demanding work

Job description

Esalen invites staff and the global community to engage in transformative learning experiences, rooted in a legacy inspired by Maslow and Huxley. This is a part-time role supporting the Farm & Garden Manager and Supervisor in all aspects of production and operation of the Farm and Garden.

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Harvest a variety of crops and wash/pack (2 times per week)
• Compost, including mechanized turning
• Bed preparations and plantings
• Soil cultivation and weeding
• Irrigation of annual and perennial crops at both the farm and garden
• Nursery management, including weekly sowings and daily watering
• Mechanical cultivation with tractor implements
• Support production of value added Farm & Garden products; which may include fermented foods and herbal medicines
• Support land stewardship through consistent weed whacking and lawn mowing across the Farm & Garden grounds
• Demonstrates general maintenance abilities, including basic repairs and small building projects as needed
• Leading and directing crews ranging from 2-8 people with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, from one-time volunteers with little to no experience to residential students who are in a 1 to 3 month program

Qualifications

• At least 6 months experience working in a production garden or equivalent training
• Experience overseeing and directing work crews
• An understanding of sustainable gardening principles and practices including soil health and fertility, irrigation systems, composting techniques, pest control, weed control etc
• Working knowledge of organic crop production, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs, native and perennial crops
• Working knowledge of creating and cultivating value added products such as; fermented foods and herbal medicines
• Skilled in clear and authentic communication, including ability to share in and support personal sharing circles
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds in various situations
• Demonstrated ability to safely lead and participate in physically demanding work on uneven terrain
• Experience in and/or willingness to learn Esalen communication skills using methods such as daily Gestalt style check-ins

Flexibility

Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, drive trucks and tractors, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, handle and use tools and machinery, and ability to do physical garden/farm work including harvesting, hoeing, stake pounding/pulling, digging. Many of the activities require bending over, kneeling and sitting on uneven ground during cold and hot weather conditions. There is some exposure to dust, fumes, gas and chemicals.

Compensation

• 6 Month position
• Wage range $18.50-$21/hour
• Part Time - 3 days a week, 24 hours total
• Housing is not offered for this role - complimentary commuter housing available
• All meals provided
• In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff

Pay is commensurate with experience and internal equity. Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.