Garden Manager at unique educational institution - Deep Springs College, CA

Deep Springs College, a unique educational institution in the high desert of Eastern California, is actively seeking an experienced and organized Garden Manager to lead our seasonal production program. This position will also help facilitate the coordination of campus operations.

The individual must bring a dynamic (multi-faceted and extensive) farming background and support the college’s mission of preparing leaders for a life of service to humanity. The Garden Manager is appointed by and responsible to the president of the college.

JOB SUMMARY

The Garden Manager is instrumental in creating a cohesive, convivial, and educational environment within the Deep Springs community. Through diligent management and operations of our one acre garden and adjacent one acre orchard, this role ensures the provision of fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Boarding House for communal meals. Responsibilities also include the  preparation of beds for winter seasons and cover crops as well as operations of a comprehensive composting plan in coordination with the Boarding House Manager (and Sustainability Coordinator). The Garden Manager will teach methods of planting, sewing, harvesting and weeding, as well as crop planning and rotation to the student labor team.  The Garden Manager's responsibility for planning and working with the Boarding House Manager to provide food to sustain and nourish the community emphasizes the sustainable, self-sufficient nature of the college. The role allows for the building of rich relationships with the student body, fostering an atmosphere of learning, growth, and mutual respect, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of life and the unique educational experience at Deep Springs.

The Garden Manager is a supervisor, teacher, and mentor for students. They carry out the following responsibilities, with the help of student labor:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Hands-On Leadership and Education: The Garden Manager will be responsible for envisioning, planning, implementing and fostering a pedagogical environment that inspires creativity and an appreciation for sustainable farming practices with the students.

2. Farm-to-Table Cuisine: We take pride in our homegrown produce, meats, dairy, and eggs, cultivated by our dedicated student labor force under the guidance of our Garden Manager, Ranch and Farm Manager and Boarding House Manager. Working within this leadership team the Garden Manager will assist in seasonal crop kill by utilizing our laying hens to clear garden beds and add nitrogen to the soil while planting cover crops that are of dual use for culinary or animal forage purposes. They will assist with on-site animal slaughters when necessary and work with the BH Manager (Sustainability Coordinator) to implement and oversee the composting program daily operations.

3. Garden and Orchard Operations: The Garden Manager is directly responsible for the maintenance and functional operation of the garden, the hoop houses, greenhouse, and orchard with responsibility of budget management. The Garden Manager will manage the storage, proper use of, and maintenance of all garden equipment and ensure food-safe handling protocols are followed. The Garden Manager will also be responsible for oversight of the student led honeybee initiative.

4. Additional Responsibilities: 

   1. Water systems: Certification as campus water tester & coordinator for potable water system compliance on campus. Maintenance and timing of extensive campus irrigation systems for landscaping.

   2. Campus landscaping: Coordinating mowing and weeding across campus (student labor), maintenance of seasonal landscaping on campus, including enhanced plantings.

   3. Fire hardening: monitoring and coordinating the limbing of trees and removal of brush near campus buildings 

   4. Coordination: of weekly operations meetings and communications among the  BH Manager, Ranch Manager, Ranch Mechanic, and Facilities/Grounds Manager.

The Garden Manager, like all staff positions, will be required to spend some of their working time joining on a governance committee for the college, e.g. the applications or communications committee. They may also have the opportunity, should they so choose, to offer an independent study or small class on skills beyond the regular supervision and instruction of student laborers.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated leadership in a vegetable production operation.

2. Experience and passion for farm-to-table cuisine, with adaptable knowledge of local terroir, growing climate and seasons. Or the ability and interest to learn about our high desert region.

3. Ability to train, manage, and inspire students in vegetable production, composting, food sovereignty.

4. Dedication to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

5. Excellent time-management and organizational skills. Flexibility and communication.

6. Knowledge of budget management.

7. Familiarity and competence with natural fertilizers and pest and weed management. 

This job is a five-day work week but must be flexible for “on call situations,” emergencies, and special events such as (but not limited to) extraordinary projects, board meetings, and reunions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Garden Manager position offers the following outstanding benefits:

• On-site housing

• Paid utilities

• Meals provided

• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• Above-average PTO allowance

• 14% 401k matching

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside the opportunity to live and work in a distinctive educational environment. Here, you can have a meaningful and singular impact.

The salary range for the Garden Manager is $69,000- 78,000 dependent upon experience.

Please email Cover Letter and Resume to Sarah@deepsprings.edu