Garden Assistant

The Omega Institute•Rhinebeck, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Central tasks for this OCSL position include work with Omega’s gardens, landscaping and lagoon greenhouse area, as well as Eco-Machine care, and permaculture project preparation and maintenance. May also help lead staff and participant OCSL educational offerings during the season and be available to support OCSL participants around campus.

Requirements

At least 1 year of farming, gardening and/or landscaping experience.
Proven ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for up to 8 hours per day.
Knowledge of chemical-free plant care, plant identification, seeding, transplanting, bed preparation.
Knowledge of or interest in permaculture principles as applied to a growing environment.
Excitement toward working in Omega's gardens, education, and creating a beautifully aesthetic and healing space for workshop participants.
Ability to be responsible, on time, and demonstrate strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to work independently without supervision, and as a member of a team completing tasks together.
Interested in their own personal and professional growth and supporting the growth and safety of other members of the team and campus.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Valid driver's license.
Alignment with Omega’s mission, goals and core values.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience preferred.
Experience working in an integrated, live/work environment.
Availability and interest in working the shoulder seasons, assisting with bed prep in early spring and leaf cleanup in the fall.
Desire and ability to be the point person and lead one or two projects on campus, independently.

Responsibilities

General Care of the garden, flower beds and potted plants including: bed prep, weeding, planting, transplanting, harvesting, watering, etc.
General landscaping and care of the 250-acre campus including: raking, mulching, sheet mulching, digging, pruning, compost care, etc.
Upkeep of OCSL permaculture projects such as maintaining and harvesting from the mushroom yard, perennial plant holding bed, rain gardens, small food forest, and various other projects.
Ensuring a safe landscape for participants including: path and trail maintenance, poison ivy removal, etc.
Coordinate with Omega's OCSL Garden Manager and other departments on tasks that need assistance.
Help with student groups that come to visit and volunteer in the garden at Omega
Lead monthly, educational tours of the OCSL; engaging guests in a fun and dynamic manner.
Assisting with end of season shutdown including: clearing beds, raking, storing equipment, etc.
Other duties as assigned by OCSL Garden Manager.