Cranaleith Spiritual Center is seeking a part-time (15-20 hours) Gardener for our seasonal vegetable garden (March – September) for a pay rate of $17.00 to $21.00 per hour (rate commensurate with experience) as an independent contractor. The Gardener will provide timely and reliable leadership and maintenance of Cranaleith’s vegetable garden.
For 25 years, Cranaleith Spiritual Center has served over 55,000 visitors. Known as a sanctuary of trees, Cranaleith is a retreat and conference center supporting those who wish to reflect on what matters deeply in their lives, renew their spirit for life and work, or restore themselves from life’s traumas. Individuals and groups are invited to participate in retreats and other programs in Cranaleith’s spirit-rekindling environment of well-being, respect, and harmony. Cranaleith is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy.
GARDENING TASKS:
Garden bed preparation, planting, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, irrigating, and other vegetable gardening cultural practices to maintain garden aesthetics and provide proper gardening care.
Maintain a broad range of vegetable crops; has the basic knowledge to provide proper vegetable gardening care.
Demonstrate familiarity with sustainable landscape/organic gardening practices relative to soil care, pruning, fertilization, and plant health to implement best management practices.
Make decisions relative to the common diseases, insects, weeds, and cultural problems of vegetable gardens in the mid-Atlantic region for proper daily maintenance.
Operate hand and power gardening tools and equipment safely and proficiently.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/PROGRAM SUPPORT:
Work successfully with a diverse group of people and uphold Cranaleith’s commitment to radical hospitality and the compassionate accompaniment of all guests.
Coordinates gardening plans with needs as identified by Cranaleith’s private chef.
Lead or assist with various educational vegetable gardening partnership programs as needed.
Create gardening opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities as well as children and other adults.
Comfortable assisting children and persons experiencing marginalization in gardening work.
Build successful working relationships with Cranaleith’s staff and volunteers.
Communicates readily and works effectively as a leader of a team to maintain the vegetable garden efficiently and effectively.
Qualifications (preferred)
Formal training in horticulture or related science (two or four-year accredited program) or high school diploma plus formal gardening experience.
Demonstrated basic knowledge of planting and maintaining a vegetable garden.
Must be familiar with the operation and maintenance of hand tools and gardening maintenance equipment.
Able to maintain garden health with organic pest and fertilization methods.
Aptitude for working with populations of all ages and abilities.
Physical Demands
Ability to frequently lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds and possess the physical strength to perform gardening operations.
Hand, arm, and back strength to shovel, prune, and rake for extended periods of time.
Ability to manipulate vibrating, hand-held power machinery for extended times.
Ability to perform kneeling, bending, squatting motions for extended times.
Visual ability to do detailed pruning and read and interpret machinery safety manuals.
Ability to maintain written maintenance records of daily work.
Working Conditions
Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions.
Physical dexterity to perform the job.
Ability to work with diverse populations and volunteers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Cranaleith Spiritual Center is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
Background Clearances
Successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a background investigation. This investigation may include criminal history checks, reference checks, and verification of educational credentials. Additionally, candidates may need to obtain specific clearances relevant to the role.
If interested in applying for this position, please forward a letter of interest.