Culinary Gardener | Full-Time | Carneros Resort & Spa

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: Director of Engineering / Grounds Manager

Position Overview

The Culinary Gardener is responsible for cultivating, maintaining, and harvesting produce, herbs, and edible plants that support the resort’s culinary and guest experience programs. This role ensures that all garden spaces—both on-site and off-site—are maintained to the highest aesthetic and agricultural standards, while supporting sustainable growing practices and operational efficiency.

This position serves as a key liaison between the land and the kitchen, ensuring timely harvesting, proper transport, and alignment with seasonal culinary needs.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Cultivation & Maintenance

• Plan, plant, and maintain seasonal crops including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers.
• Monitor soil health, composting, fertilization, and pest management using sustainable and organic practices where possible.
• Perform routine gardening tasks including watering, pruning, weeding, mulching, and harvesting.
• Maintain greenhouse or nursery operations if applicable.
• Ensure all garden areas are clean, organized, and visually aligned with resort standards.

Harvesting & Culinary Integration

• Harvest produce at peak freshness based on culinary team needs and seasonal availability.
• Coordinate regularly with culinary leadership to align planting cycles with menu development.
• Prepare harvested goods for kitchen use, including cleaning, sorting, and proper storage.
• Track yields and provide updates on crop availability and upcoming harvests.

Transportation & Logistics

• Safely transport produce, tools, and materials between the garden site(s) and the resort.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of transport vehicles and storage areas.
• Assist with receiving and organizing gardening supplies, seeds, and materials.

Grounds Support & Property Integration

• Support overall landscape aesthetics in designated garden areas, ensuring they enhance the guest experience.
• Assist with special projects such as garden expansions, new planting installations, or sustainability initiatives.
• Partner with the Activities or Guest Experience team for garden tours or educational programming, as needed.

Equipment & Safety

• Operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment (e.g., tillers, irrigation systems, hand tools) safely and effectively.
• Monitor and maintain irrigation systems to ensure proper water usage and conservation.
• Follow all safety protocols related to equipment, chemical use, and outdoor work.
• Report maintenance issues, hazards, or supply needs promptly.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience in gardening, farming, horticulture, or agriculture required (culinary or organic gardening preferred).
• Knowledge of seasonal planting cycles, soil health, and sustainable growing practices.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and basic equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and manage time across multiple locations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with culinary and operations teams.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between garden and resort locations.

Work Schedule & Conditions

• Full-time with flexible scheduling, including weekends and holidays as needed based on seasonal demands.
• Primarily outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Travel required between garden site(s) and resort property.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments, including heat, cold, and uneven terrain.

Total Compensation

• Base Salary + Incentive
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care FSA Options
• Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Supplemental Insurance
• 401k with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Leave