Job Details

Assistant Trial Gardener

Purpose

The Assistant Trial Gardener will assist the Garden Manager in all aspects of planting and maintaining the trial gardens and landscaping. The main trial garden is approximately one-half acre of raised beds containing flowers, vegetables and herbs, and grown using organic techniques. The site also includes a greenhouse, perennial landscaping, a small orchard, spring fed pond, and horse pasture. This position will be primarily outdoors but could include office work as needed.  The ideal candidate will be able to identify problems and engage with the team in finding solutions. 

Our business is highly seasonal, so the focus of this role will shift throughout the year. 

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2-3+ years gardening experience 

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Basic gardening skills such as: planting bed prep, weeding, seed sowing (direct and greenhouse), thinning and transplanting, propagation of plants by cuttings, pruning, composting.
• Must be able to identify the most common weeds and plants, insect pests, and diseases of plants.
• Must speak fluent English.  Some Spanish language skills are welcome.
• Be able to lift 50-pound bags of soil/fertilizer.
• Must have a valid CA driver`s license. 
• Must be comfortable around horses and dogs.
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word and Excel.
• This is a hands-on gardening job, so applicants must be willing/able to work outside in a physical capacity on a daily basis. 
• Fast learner or interest in learning new skills
• Adapt easily to changing requests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work independently or collaboratively with the trial garden team

Tasks

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Seed sowing, transplanting, thinning, harvesting and weeding.
• Plant protection - installing bird netting, insect mesh, frost protection, shade cloth and gopher trapping.
• Ongoing plant care including pest inspection, fertilizing and spraying. 
• Preparing raised beds for planting.
• Picking up supplies from local businesses.
• Assisting with plant propagation and spring plant shipping (plant prep and packaging). 
• Record keeping and data entry.
• May assist with office work and participating in writing projects and photography. 
• Occasional animal care.
• Property maintenance: keep all areas clean, neat and organized.
• Willingness to perform duties as needed, including equipment operation, and physical labor.

Work Context

Body Positioning

• Ability to work/walk around, inside and outside the building
• Ability to move throughout the grounds, up and down hills and stairs
• Ability to sit or stand/walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 50 pounds of soil/fertilizer

Communication

• Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams

Environment/Work Setting

• Mostly outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Work Attire

• Comfortable clothing recommended, no profanity on clothing.
• Closed toe shoes required.
• Garden hat highly recommended.

Tools and Technology 

• Gardening tools of all types, including sharp instruments
• Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)
• PC Computer knowledge

Hours

This position is 32-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday during the busy garden season of February 1 – November 30 (negotiable).  This is an ongoing position with seasonal options. 

Reports To

This position reports to the Trial Garden Manager

Salary Range

• Hourly rate ranging $19-$20 per hour based on experience.

About Renee`s Garden

Renee`s Garden is a premium seed packet company carrying seed varieties focused on great flavor, easy culture, and exceptional garden performance to home gardeners since 1998. We have created an extensively curated selection of seeds and other products sourced from around the world and carefully evaluated in our own trial gardens. 

We manage both a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business, and a wide-ranging wholesale business across the United States and Canada. Our home office and trial gardens are in Felton, California and our fulfillment warehouse is in Mead, Colorado. Renee`s Garden offers a competitive benefits plan including health insurance, 401K plan, Paid time off, Sick time off and multiple paid holidays including the employee`s birthday. 

**Please submit your resume here, or email lindsay@reneesgarden.com