We are looking for a Farmer/Horticulturist to join our team. We are a large ranch in Santa Ynez, looking to develop 1–2-acre area for cut flowers and vegetables. The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for gardening and farming, and be knowledgeable in the areas of plant care, soil management, irrigation, and pest control. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, can work independently, can communicate clearly and willingly takes direction from management as well as delegate specific farm and garden tasks to other employees. Work schedule may include weekends. We try to stick to 8 hours per day but there can be occasional overtime. There is a 90-day trial period to start, as well as a background and drug check, that will be run as part of our employee screening process. Must have a valid driver’s license and is legal to work in the US. Positions available immediately! This position will report directly to the Ranch Manager.
• Provides insight and feedback on the selection, ordering, planting, and maintenance of plants on property.
• Helps support the implementation of annual and perennial flower beds for cut flowers.
• Assists with implementing new planting areas.
• Propagates new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and other plant parts.
• Executes pruning, wound dressing, cavity repair, and the cabling/bracing of fruit and nut trees.
• Perform general farming duties such as pruning, planting, weeding, mulching and debris removal.
• Can install, operate, maintain, and repair complex irrigation systems to ensure adequate moisture for plantings. Orders irrigation supplies, spare parts, and equipment, with management approval.
• Prepares orders for various types of plants and seeds, in collaboration with the Landscape Architect team.
• Monitors weather conditions and pays special attention to hot or cold temperatures.
• Assists in the preparation of programs for the control of plant diseases, weeds, and insects.
• Prepares fertilizer programs for various types of plants and fruit/nut trees.
• Operates standard garden equipment such as chainsaws, blowers, mowers, and tillers and performs heavy lifting as required.
• With managerial approval: source, procure and purchase supplies, and materials such as mulch, soil and garden tools and equipment.
• Harvests of the ranch gardens, flower beds, and fruit/nut orchards and working directly with the Ranch Manager regarding all scheduling/management/delegation duties related to these processes.
• Prepares the harvested produce and flowers for retail sale, consumption, and/or presentation.
• Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Thorough knowledge of farming in all phases.
• Thorough knowledge of plant propagation.
• Knowledge of the principles of nursery management.
• Knowledge of the elementary principles of landscaping.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
Experience in the field of Horticulture, Agriculture or Farming necessary. Coursework or certifications related to these fields are a plus.
Salary: $22-25 per hour
Send resume to mckenna@kianipreserve.com